Byrnihat launches electric waste vehicles and road sweepers

The town of Byrnihat in the Ri-Bhoi district has launched a new sanitation initiative featuring six electric-powered waste collection vehicles and three mechanical road sweepers. The project aims to improve air quality and waste management across 20 villages.

The initiative is funded under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner’s office. The six waste collection vehicles were sanctioned at a cost of Rs 57,44,459, while the three road sweepers were allocated approximately Rs 77.99 lakh.

During the launch, cabinet minister and Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun noted that Byrnihat has previously been recognized as a highly polluted area. In addition to the vehicle launch, households received dustbins along with guidance on segregating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste to ensure proper disposal at designated sites.