The small village of Mawlynnong in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya continues to uphold its international reputation, reaffirming its status as Asia’s Cleanest Village. This unique settlement, often called “God’s Own Garden,” offers a shining example of community-led sustainable living, where cleanliness is a deeply ingrained way of life.
The village’s pristine environment is maintained through strict and collective efforts, notably its zero-plastic tolerance policy and the ubiquitous use of natural, locally-made infrastructure.
The most striking visual element of Mawlynnong’s system are the numerous, uniquely designed bamboo dustbins placed strategically throughout the village. Every resident participates in daily cleaning rituals, ensuring that garbage is deposited into these natural receptacles, which are then used to create compost.
- No Plastic Policy: The use of plastic bags, bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials is strictly banned and heavily enforced by the village council.
- 100% Literacy: The high literacy rate in the village is often cited as a contributing factor to the community’s strong civic sense and commitment to environmentalism.
- Community Ownership: From sweeping the winding cobblestone pathways to maintaining the lush gardens, cleanliness is a mandatory community activity, not a government service.
Mawlynnong’s remarkable success has drawn international attention, solidifying its place not just as a tourist attraction, but as a real-world model for rural sustainable development and waste management, proving that community effort is the strongest tool against pollution.
