A social work professor in Manipur has transformed her village into a model of community-led environmental conservation through an eight-year cleanliness and awareness campaign. Kamei Biju, an Assistant Professor at the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Regional Campus, founded the Green Club Sangaiprou in 2018 to promote sanitation, recycling, and environmental responsibility.
Today, the initiative involves residents of all ages, conducts weekly cleanliness drives, recycles around 250 kg of plastic waste every week, and has inspired neighbouring villages to adopt similar models. The Government of Manipur recently honoured Biju with the “Inspiring Campaigner” award for her outstanding contribution to environmental conservation.
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Key Facts
- Location: Sangaiprou Kabui Khul, Imphal West, Manipur
- Founder: Kamei Biju
- Profession: Assistant Professor of Social Work, IGNTU Regional Campus Manipur
- Initiative: Green Club Sangaiprou
- Established: September 29, 2018
- Village Size: Around 120 households
- Weekly Volunteers: 17–20 members
- Plastic Recycled: Around 250 kg every week
- Recognition: “Inspiring Campaigner” award by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur
Professor Leads Community-Led Green Revolution in Manipur
Imphal: At a time when climate change and environmental pollution continue to threaten communities worldwide, a professor from Manipur has shown how local action can create lasting environmental change.
Kamei Biju, 44, an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University’s Regional Campus in Manipur (IGNTU-RCM), has spent the last eight years leading a grassroots environmental movement through the Green Club Sangaiprou.
Founded on September 29, 2018, the club started as a small cleanliness initiative in Sangaiprou Kabui Khul of Imphal West district. However, it has gradually evolved into a well-organised community movement that actively involves residents across all age groups.
As a result, the village of nearly 120 households has earned recognition for its clean surroundings, greener environment, and strong community participation.
Inspired by Family Values
According to Biju, the idea behind the Green Club originated from her mother, who always maintained a clean home and taught the importance of cleanliness from childhood.
She believes that civic responsibility begins at an early age. Therefore, she decided to turn those personal values into a community initiative.
Although the club started without large financial resources or government support, it has continued to grow because local residents actively participate every week.
Weekly Cleanliness Drives Build Community Spirit
Every Saturday at 5:30 a.m., around 17 to 20 volunteers gather to clean roads, drains, and public spaces.
The volunteers spend nearly six hours removing waste and improving the village environment.
Moreover, the weekly drives have become more than just sanitation activities. During breaks, participants discuss local development issues, exchange ideas, and strengthen community relationships.
Consequently, the initiative has improved both environmental awareness and social unity.
Personal Support Keeps Volunteers Motivated
To encourage young volunteers, Biju personally provides an honorarium of ₹250 per participant every week from her own resources.
Meanwhile, residents and well-wishers contribute refreshments during the cleanliness drives.
Although the club has not received direct government funding, community support has helped sustain the movement over the years.
Recycling Plastic for a Cleaner Future
Plastic waste management has become one of the Green Club’s major achievements.
Every week, volunteers collect nearly 250 kilograms of plastic waste, which they send to recycling facilities.
The income generated from recycled plastic helps purchase cleaning tools and equipment for roadside beautification.
Furthermore, the club organises awareness campaigns on plastic recycling, waste management, and responsible disposal practices.
Promoting Trees and Environmental Awareness
Apart from sanitation work, the Green Club regularly conducts tree plantation drives and awareness programmes on climate change, global warming, and environmental conservation.
The members have planted several roadside trees, especially fruit-bearing varieties, to improve the village landscape.
Looking ahead, Biju plans to encourage every household in the village to plant at least one tree.
Therefore, the initiative aims not only to maintain cleanliness but also to increase green cover and biodiversity.
Village Model Inspires Other Communities
Initially, poor road conditions made cleanliness efforts difficult.
However, road improvements completed in 2022 and the installation of roadside dustbins significantly improved waste management.
As the village became cleaner, neighbouring communities began taking notice.
In fact, the Green Club’s model has already been adopted in Kakhulong, while representatives from several nearby villages have visited Sangaiprou to learn how they can implement similar community-based initiatives.
Volunteers Believe Small Actions Matter
Volunteers say their motivation comes from a shared responsibility toward protecting their village.
One volunteer, Kamei Jangsinglung, said that no one else would protect their surroundings unless local residents took the initiative.
Another volunteer admitted that the weekly work is physically demanding.
Nevertheless, appreciation from visitors and neighbouring communities continues to inspire the team to maintain their efforts.
Government Recognises Environmental Leadership
The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur, recently honoured Kamei Biju with the “Inspiring Campaigner” title during this year’s World Environment Day celebrations.
The recognition acknowledges her dedication to environmental conservation and community mobilisation.
Moreover, her work comes at a time when climate change is creating new environmental and public health challenges across the region.
Experts have observed that rising temperatures are altering disease patterns, including longer periods of dengue transmission.
Therefore, community initiatives promoting cleanliness, recycling, and environmental awareness have become increasingly important.
A Model for Sustainable Community Action
The Green Club Sangaiprou demonstrates how consistent local participation can create meaningful environmental change.
By combining cleanliness drives, plastic recycling, tree plantation, and public awareness, the initiative has become a model of grassroots conservation in Manipur.
Overall, the movement highlights that small but regular community efforts can significantly improve public spaces, strengthen civic responsibility, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Club Sangaiprou?
It is a community-led environmental initiative founded by Professor Kamei Biju in 2018 to promote cleanliness, recycling, and environmental awareness.
Who started the initiative?
Kamei Biju, Assistant Professor of Social Work at IGNTU Regional Campus, Manipur.
How much plastic does the club recycle?
The club collects and recycles around 250 kilograms of plastic waste every week.
Has the initiative received any recognition?
Yes. The Government of Manipur honoured Kamei Biju with the “Inspiring Campaigner” award during World Environment Day.
Why is the initiative important?
It demonstrates how community participation can improve sanitation, encourage environmental conservation, and inspire neighbouring villages to adopt similar practices.
Location Context
Manipur is one of Northeast India’s ecologically rich states, known for its forests, biodiversity, and tribal communities. Therefore, community-led environmental initiatives like the Green Club Sangaiprou play an important role in promoting sustainable development and climate resilience across the region.