Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced that the state is preparing to host the upcoming 39th National Games as a completely plastic-free event, marking a bold step toward environmental sustainability.
Speaking during a visit to Nongpiyur Government Lower Primary School, the chief minister shared the state’s ambitious plan to make the National Games fully biodegradable, with a strong emphasis on phasing out single-use plastics through innovative alternatives.
The visit was part of the S.U.P.E.R Campaign 2024 (Single Use Plastic Eco Recycling), an initiative under My Meghalaya My Pride and GreenAmmo, in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education & Literacy and SEMAM–Samagra Shiksha.
At the school, the chief minister inspected a toilet facility constructed entirely from recycled single-use plastic waste—an example of how sustainable materials can be repurposed to serve community infrastructure needs.
He praised the project as a model of how education and environmental stewardship can intersect.
In a major policy announcement, Sangma revealed plans for a Rs. 1,890 crore investment in a manufacturing facility that will produce starch-based compostable bags and bottles, which can serve as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.
“My target is that the National Games should be completely biodegradable,” the chief minister declared, underscoring his government’s commitment to long-term environmental change.
He acknowledged the complexity of enforcing a comprehensive plastic ban, noting that the issue extends beyond bags to include everyday items like snack wrappers and packaging.
However, he emphasised a phased approach that involves both policy-level interventions and active community participation.
The proposed biodegradable manufacturing plant has already been surveyed by the company involved, which is eager to set up operations in Meghalaya.
The state government is expected to provide full support, with Sangma describing the project as a “game-changer” for Meghalaya’s green economy and waste management strategies.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya CM hands over cricket kits to local teams on his maiden visit to Sanmer
Also present at the event was Nicholas Kharkamni, a key figure behind the S.U.P.E.R Campaign, who presented a scalable solution for recycling plastic waste within school environments.
His initiative, which involves repurposing collected plastic to build school toilets, was lauded by the chief minister for simultaneously addressing sanitation and environmental concerns.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries.
