SHILLONG: Martin Luther Christian University, through its Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems (DETE), successfully conducted a large-scale cleaning drive and waste audit on Wednesday as part of The Himalayan Cleanup 2026 campaign.
The initiative took place across Nongrah and Lapalang areas of Shillong, beginning at the university’s Nongrah campus and extending to nearby riverbanks and the Lapalang market area. The event saw active participation from students, faculty, and staff, all working collectively to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable waste management practices.
Participants engaged in systematic waste collection, segregation, and brand auditing, followed by proper disposal of the collected materials. The activity underscored the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution and encouraged responsible consumption habits among the community.
The program forms part of the broader Himalayan Cleanup movement, a regional initiative aimed at addressing waste management challenges across the Himalayan belt. Beyond the physical cleanup, the campaign emphasizes waste auditing to better understand consumption patterns and identify the prevalence of single-use plastics and non-biodegradable waste.
University officials highlighted that such initiatives are crucial in driving long-term behavioral change and strengthening community participation in environmental conservation efforts.
The Department expressed appreciation to all volunteers and participants for their enthusiastic involvement, which contributed significantly to the success of the program.
