Two significant initiatives to change Meghalaya’s urban landscape—Clean Shillong 2027 and Building a Climate Resilient Green Economy—were launched from a massive plantation campaign in New Shillong. The initiative, led by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, was a definite move for the government to integrate environmental protection with sustainable urban growth. More than 1,500 people from various sectors, including authorities, community organizations, and students, attended the June 5 ceremony in Ummir.
The planting of more than 1,000 ornamental trees, including gulmohars, jacarandas, and cherry blossoms, strengthened the state’s efforts to green its cities. In order to improve New Shillong’s ecological and aesthetic worth, the Chief Minister discussed ideas inspired by Japan’s cherry blossom culture and emphasized the use of biodegradable materials into routine procedures. Additionally, he emphasized the benefits of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program, which has contributed to the preservation of more than 50,000 hectares of forest area.
Through the GREEN Plus scheme, the government hopes to double the population of New Shillong by 2027. The goals of Clean Shillong 2027 are infrastructure improvements, intelligent waste management, and citizen involvement. Sustainability is given top priority in the Climate Resilient Green Economy initiative. Individual PES recipients as well as schools, communities, and villages received recognition. Ten thousand trees will be planted, and water ATMs will be installed.