Umiam Lake Cleaning and Waste Management Project

Smart Village Movement, October 2, 2025

Guided by the Smart Village Movement (SVM), the Umiam Lake Cleaning and Waste Management Project is restoring one of Meghalaya’s most vital water sources. The lake powers electricity and supports local livelihoods, yet years of waste inflow from nearby towns have endangered its ecosystem.

Through collaboration between SVM, Eco-Ri, Clearbot, and the Mawdun village community, innovation meets grassroots leadership to protect Umiam for future generations. What began as a clean-up mission has evolved into a story of awareness, responsibility, and resilience.

“This effort should not stop here but must continue,” urged Rangbah Shnong (village head) S. Kapew of Mawdun, calling for shared responsibility among departments, companies, and the community.

Under SVM’s guidance, the people of Mawdun have united to clean the lake and manage waste more sustainably — addressing a challenge that impacts not only the environment but also livelihoods tied to fishing and tourism.

“In Mawdun, many of us depend on fishing for our livelihood,” shared a community member. “In the past, we caught plenty of fish, but now there is less because of the overwhelming amount of waste. The lake used to be deep, but now it has become shallow due to the build-up of waste. Without proper rules and cooperation, it will be difficult to control this issue. We all need to work together.”

Smart Village Movement supports rural development in India by bringing technology to solve chronic problems. The Umiam Lake Project stands as a testament to how technology, local leadership, and community participation can revive ecosystems and inspire sustainable water and waste management for generations to come.