Mawlynnong: The Story of Asia’s Cleanest Village in Meghalaya

Mawlynnong: The Story of Asia’s Cleanest Village in Meghalaya

Walking through Mawlynnong feels like stepping into a living postcard. Every lane is spotless, lined with flowering plants, bamboo dustbins, and carefully maintained houses surrounded by lush gardens. The entire community participates in keeping the village clean. From young children to elders, everyone contributes to sweeping pathways, composting waste, and ensuring plastic never clutters the landscape. Cleanliness here is not just a rule but a way of life, passed down through generations.

But Mawlynnong isn’t only about neatness—it is also about sustainable living. Most homes are built from bamboo and local materials, blending naturally into the greenery. The villagers practice rainwater harvesting, use organic farming methods, and have banned the use of polythene. Tourism is carefully managed so that the influx of visitors never disturbs the ecological balance or the community’s lifestyle.

The village is also deeply rooted in the traditions of the Khasi tribe, which follows a matrilineal system where property and lineage pass through the women. This unique social structure, combined with their eco-conscious living, gives Mawlynnong an identity that is both progressive and traditional.

For travellers, there’s more to experience than just its tidy streets. A short trek leads to the iconic living root bridges, created over decades by guiding the roots of rubber trees across streams. Nearby viewpoints, like the Sky Walk, built entirely of bamboo, offer panoramic views of the rolling hills and even glimpses of Bangladesh on clear days. The local food, simple yet delicious, is another highlight, often served fresh from the farm.

Mawlynnong is more than a village—it is an example of what can be achieved when a community takes pride in its environment and heritage. In a time when urban centres struggle with pollution and waste, this little corner of Meghalaya shows that harmony between people and nature is possible.