Meghalaya to host India’s first biodegradable national games: CM Sangma

Correspondent

Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday announced a landmark commitment to host a plastic-free National Games, declaring that the 39th edition of the event—scheduled to take place in the state—will be entirely biodegradable. The declaration came during the Chief Minister’s visit to Nongpiyur Government Lower Primary School, where he unveiled sweeping plans under the S.U.P.E.R Campaign 2024 (Single Use Plastic Eco Recycling), an initiative by My Meghalaya My Pride and GreenAmmo in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education & Literacy and the State Project Office SEMAM-Samagra Shiksha, Government of Meghalaya.

As part of the campaign, a toilet made from single-use plastic waste was constructed on the school premises, symbolizing the possibilities of sustainable infrastructure. During the inspection, the Chief Minister elaborated on the state’s green vision, announcing a major Rs 1890 crore investment in a proposed state-of-the-art factory to manufacture starch-based bags and bottles—compostable alternatives to conventional plastic products. “My target is that the National Games should be completely biodegradable,” said Sangma, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the state’s environmental mission.

The upcoming National Games will be a testbed for Meghalaya’s push toward sustainability and innovation. The proposed factory, which will be established with the support of the state government, will become a cornerstone of this drive, with the private company behind the initiative having already conducted a site survey. Sangma affirmed his full endorsement of the project, stating that Meghalaya is poised to become a national leader in biodegradable production and plastic recycling innovation.

Acknowledging the challenges involved in a full-scale plastic ban—such as phasing out items like chip packets and chocolate wrappers—Sangma called for a gradual, community-driven transition. “It’s not just about banning plastic bags; it’s about changing the entire ecosystem. And that takes time, planning, and public participation,” he said.

Further amplifying the campaign’s grassroots momentum, Nicholas Kharkamni from the Super Campaign showcased a community-based model that transforms collected plastic waste into usable infrastructure for schools. His initiative has already delivered real-world impact, converting waste into toilets that promote both sanitation and environmental consciousness. “This is not just recycling; it’s nation-building from the ground up,” Sangma remarked, commending the project.

Also present at the event were MLA and Government of Meghalaya Advisor Hamlet Dohling, Director of School Education and Literacy J A Marvin, Sub-Divisional School Education Officer, headmasters, and teachers from Nongpiyur Government LP School. In a gesture of support for education and holistic development, the Chief Minister also pledged to procure musical instruments for the school, further anchoring his government’s commitment to uplift both the environment and community welfare through education.

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