We have all heard or participated in community fishing at some point in our lives. Fishing is also an integral part of the tribal communities of our country. But in Lewmawlong village in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, a community fishing competition was organized not to catch fish but to fish out garbage, particularly plastic.
The video of Nogpoh residents cheering for each other every time plastic was picked up by an angler was shared by one Aristone M Ryndongsngi, a local resident, on Facebook. The video immediately caught the attention of many and appreciation started to pour in for taking such an unique step to curb the plastic menace.
The competition was organized by the office of the Assistant Engineer, District Urban Affairs Unit, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh under State and Structure Development Initiative Programme on September 20th, 2019 as part of an awareness programme on solid waste management.
Speaking to Time8, Aristone said, “The aim of the competition was to throw away plastic bags from our lives and embrace organic products for a clean environment and healthy life. Hope this practice continues.”
A total of 500 people participated in the competition, including women and children from various parts of Nongpoh. Many were seen taking out garbage from a drain with great zeal and enthusiasm. The competition ended with the prize distribution ceremony where the winner was given an amount of Rs 7,000 followed by the second who was given Rs 4,000 and the third winner was given Rs 3,000.
There were also five consolation prize winners who received Rs 500 each and everyone who participated in the competition were given participation token amount of Rs 100.
Plastic Free Meghalaya
It may be mentioned, the Conrad Sangma-led government has launched an initiative titled Meghalaya Plastic Challenge. The aim is to make the state plastic-free by 2022. Under this initiative, regular cleanliness drives are being organized in the state and also, an entire road in Tura town of Meghalaya was constructed using plastic waste.
Photo credit: Aristone M Sh Ryndongsngi
