Kabui village in Imphal West earns praise for weekly clean-up and tree planting drive
A community Green Club in Sangaiprou Kabui, Imphal West, has built a routine of early morning clean-ups and plantation drives, while encouraging children and co
In the village of Sangaiprou Kabui in Imphal West district, a small volunteer team starts work very early on Saturdays, after rainfall and in dry weather. Dr Kamei Beeju, along with members of her Green Club, set out at around 4:30 am to sweep village roadside areas, clean drainage lines, and tidy public spaces. The group works voluntarily and continues the same routine every week.
For about 120 households, the weekly effort has become a visible part of daily life. Flower pots and plants placed along the roadside reflect the community’s focus on keeping the surroundings clean and green. According to Dr Beeju, the cleanliness push is also meant to encourage pride in a healthier, shared village environment.
Green Club formed in 2018 and continues across the village
Dr Beeju said the Green Club was launched on September 29, 2018. She explained that the idea came from the example of her mother, who maintained a neat home environment and inspired her through daily discipline. After completing her studies, Dr Beeju started the initiative to promote grassroots environmental conservation, and club members soon began taking part in cleanliness drives and awareness activities.
Later, Dr Beeju noted that progress became easier only after improvements in local infrastructure. She said that in 2022, the state government and the village authority constructed better all-weather roads, which helped residents and volunteers carry out their work more smoothly without getting stuck with muddy stretches or drainage problems. With more consistent access, the village authorities and residents were able to sustain the effort better, and the area has been viewed as one of the cleaner localities in the Greater Imphal area.
Awards, plantation plans, and focus on children
Dr Beeju said the club does more than cleaning. It organises plantation drives, conducts awareness campaigns, and works to motivate children. She said educating young people helps build long-term responsibility. In line with the state’s tree plantation push, the club has proposed a village plan asking each household to plant one tree.
She also mentioned that the club is largely run through community support. Dr Beeju said she personally provides an honorarium of Rs 250 to youth volunteers each week. She added that she has received recognition for the campaign, including an Appreciation Award 2026 on World Environment Day from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Manipur, presented to her as an Inspiring Campaigner. Dr Beeju said her village still faces challenges such as rising pollution and drought linked to climate change.
