A remote village in Arunachal Pradesh has taken the lead in monthly cleanliness efforts under the state’s Eco-Clean Mission. Situated in the West Siang district, Sibe village has earned praise for consistently organizing community-wide sanitation campaigns, setting a benchmark for other rural areas in the region.
These monthly drives, held on the first Saturday of each month, involve villagers from all age groups. Everyone contributes—sweeping streets, cleaning drains, and collecting both household and public waste. The goal is simple yet impactful: to promote cleanliness, prevent disease, and instill a sense of shared responsibility.
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Eco-Clean Mission: A Rural Sanitation Initiative
The Eco-Clean Mission was launched by the Arunachal Pradesh government to improve hygiene in rural settlements. While many villages conducted single-day drives in the past, Sibe turned the campaign into a routine. This transformation from a one-time effort to a monthly habit has made a visible difference.
Villagers clean footpaths, water streams, marketplaces, and school grounds. Children participate with brooms in hand, while older people oversee composting efforts. Local shops are required to dispose of waste responsibly, and households separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable items.
Youth Lead the Way with Enthusiasm
Youth groups have taken charge of organizing these drives. With support from the panchayat, the local youth association plans each event in advance. They assign cleaning zones, distribute gloves and sacks, and maintain attendance logs to ensure community participation remains high.
According to youth volunteer Pumi Ori, “We realized that cleanliness is not just a government duty. It’s our responsibility too. When we clean our own surroundings, we also protect our people.”
Social media has become a useful tool. The youth share updates, post before-and-after pictures, and even encourage nearby villages to join the movement.
Women Take the Initiative in Waste Management
Women’s groups have played a crucial role in ensuring sustainability. They monitor waste segregation at the household level and manage the compost pits used to convert organic waste into manure. The manure is then distributed to home gardens and local farms, reducing chemical fertilizer use.
Moreover, these women also serve as peer educators. They visit homes to spread awareness about the importance of maintaining hygiene and preventing waterborne diseases. Their efforts have resulted in a visible reduction in open waste disposal in the village.
Environmental and Health Benefits Emerge
Sibe’s clean surroundings have led to healthier living conditions. Fewer stagnant water sources have reduced mosquito breeding, while cleaner public toilets and handwashing stations have helped minimize infections.
Drainage systems are now better maintained. Roads and walkways remain free from plastic waste, and the air smells fresher, especially during the monsoon season. Local doctors have reported a noticeable drop in cases of diarrhea and skin infections.
Farmers have also seen benefits. As composting becomes more popular, soil health has improved, and crop yields have increased in kitchen gardens. Several families now grow their own vegetables using eco-friendly methods.
Government Officials Applaud the Effort
Government representatives have visited Sibe to observe the campaign’s impact. The West Siang Deputy Commissioner called the village “a model for community hygiene” and urged others to follow its path. Sanitation officers have also offered to supply more bins and gloves to sustain the effort.
In June, the Rural Development Department awarded Sibe a certificate of recognition for “exemplary performance in cleanliness and community mobilization.” Plans are underway to feature the village in the upcoming Arunachal Clean Village Showcase.
State officials also plan to introduce a village cleanliness ranking system, where villages like Sibe can serve as mentors to others striving for better hygiene.
A Ripple Effect Across West Siang
Inspired by Sibe’s success, other villages such as Tato, Darak, and Pidi have begun similar monthly drives. These villages collaborate with Sibe by attending planning sessions and sharing resources. Inter-village competitions have even been proposed to sustain enthusiasm and innovation.
While each village adapts the model to its unique geography, the common thread remains unity, consistency, and grassroots ownership. Even in remote areas with limited infrastructure, these efforts show how communities can take charge of their own development.
Cleanliness Becomes a Culture
What started as a cleanliness drive has now become a part of village culture. Birthdays, local festivals, and even marriage ceremonies now include a small community cleaning activity. Slogans like “My Lane, My Responsibility” and “Let’s Sweep Together” are displayed on posters and school walls.
Children in schools learn about hygiene not only in textbooks but by watching their parents lead by example. As one teacher put it, “Our students don’t just study cleanliness—they live it.”
Looking Forward: Expanding the Mission
Sibe’s leadership under the Eco-Clean Mission continues to inspire action across Arunachal. The panchayat now plans to build a centralized waste segregation center and install solar-powered street lights to further improve living standards.
As more villages join the movement, Sibe stands tall as a beacon of what collective willpower can achieve. It shows that even without massive funding or infrastructure, real change is possible when communities take charge.
By turning a sanitation initiative into a habit, Sibe has not only cleaned its streets but also transformed its identity—from a quiet village to a statewide symbol of self-driven progress.
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