Umiam Lake: Waste Transformed, Art Demands We Save Our Future

Published on November 29, 2025

The pristine beauty of Umiam Lake is now more profound. Visitors often stare out at the water’s calm expanse. Now, a powerful new sight greets them. This new art speaks to all who cherish the Earth. It is a stunning “Waste-to-Art” sculpture. This artwork forces a moment of reflection. It makes visitors truly confront our impact. The sculpture is the first of its kind in Meghalaya. It was made entirely from discarded lake materials. Most of the structure uses worn-out footwear. This bold installation stands at the Umiam Lake viewpoint. It is attracting strong attention from tourists. This creative act shows great environmental responsibility. It redefines what art can achieve. The sculpture was unveiled on November 14. This date marks a new vision for tourism.

A Monument to Environmental Conscience

The powerful sculpture has a striking design. It depicts a giant human foot. This foot is crushing a half-submerged globe. The globe symbolizes our home, Earth. The foot represents humanity’s unchecked footprint. Recycled plastic sheets form an encircling fence. The entire design delivers a vital message. The message is simple yet deeply serious. Humanity’s footprint is suffocating our planet. The time for necessary action is now. The artwork is a powerful symbol of change. It shows discarded materials can find new purpose.

The artwork’s meaning is stark. The foot symbolizes our careless consumption. It represents humanity’s unchecked footprint. The submerged globe shows the Earth drowning. It sinks under the immense weight of our waste. The overall message is clear. We risk crushing the planet that sustains us. This will happen without serious change.

Governance for Sustainable Tourism Growth

The project was led by the Smart Village Movement (SVM). It received guidance from the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS). This society is based in Ri Bhoi District. The installation involved a deep community effort. Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira praised the initiative. He highlighted the sculpture’s importance. He said it was a symbol of responsible tourism. The Minister stated it reflects the spirit of responsibility. This spirit is actively promoted across Meghalaya.

The Minister offered congratulations to the teams involved. This included the SVM, DTPS, Eco-Ri, and local artists. He also acknowledged the Deputy Commissioner. He said the project showed collective creative effort. The sculpture makes clear what becomes possible. Innovation and environmental awareness can join forces. Community participation leads this effort. This strengthens Meghalaya’s identity globally. It makes it a clean, green, and responsible destination.

Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District, Abhilash Baranwal, commended the effort. He stated the SVM showed creativity. They also demonstrated environmental responsibility. This combination promotes truly responsible tourism. Umiam is one of the most cherished destinations. He believes preserving the lake is necessary. It is both an ecological duty and an economic need. Mr. Baranwal also spoke about innovative products. These products are made from recovered plastic. They can be seen at the site itself. He said this reinforces an important idea. Plastic should never be treated as mere waste.

Umiam: A World-Class Destination

The Minister shared exciting news. Umiam was recently proposed as a candidate. It is considered one of India’s upcoming world-class tourist spots. This national recognition is very significant. It will greatly benefit the people of Meghalaya. It especially helps communities near Umiam.

The Minister emphasized cleanliness and environmental protection. He strongly urged local people. They must continue maintaining the surroundings. He insisted on safeguarding the area. He believes responsible practices are vital. Strong community support will make Umiam Lake special. He sees it becoming a most cherished state destination. The sculpture is a powerful reminder. It speaks of our shared duty to protect natural treasures. He called on everyone to build a better future. A future where tourism uplifts people. It must also preserve the environment.

Director of Tourism, Meghalaya, Brenda L. Pakyntein, was greatly encouraged. She saw the Aquatic Waste-to-Art installation. She heard the SVM team speak. She said sustainability is taking root. Responsible tourism is growing at Umiam Lake. Umiam is a very sensitive destination. It is also one of the most important.

Ms. Pakyntein stated that tourism offers great opportunities. It creates new livelihood options. She insisted that it must grow carefully. Growth must never harm the environment. She called this initiative a strong example. She said creativity, community effort, and conservation work together. The Tourism Department will fully support such projects. This support comes through schemes like DTPS. It also includes the new Community-Led Tourism programme. She encouraged all communities. They must make full use of these opportunities.

Art, Innovation, and Community Action

The artwork was executed in collaboration with Eco-Ri. This is a local start-up. Local artist Joshua Lyngdoh was also key. Pynshaiborlang Marpna, Project Lead at SVM, reflected on the project. He noted a core truth. Every piece of thrown-away waste returns to us. If we suffocate the Earth with waste, he said, we suffocate our children. He urged people to act with conscience. Our current carelessness should not become a future burden.

Bankit Nongbri, Founder of Eco-Ri, spoke proudly. This partnership allowed their start-up to prove its value. Innovation does not need perfect conditions. They are a Meghalaya-based startup. The artwork shows the journey of waste. Reclaimed waste from the lake is transformed. The installation now reflects creativity and accountability. It offers a new way to see waste.

Artist Joshua Lyngdoh is passionate about repurposing materials. He loves transforming scrap and non-biodegradable items. He turns them into meaningful art. Working with the SVM allowed him to showcase his vision. He showed what is possible with transformation. The installation uses hundreds of collected waste pieces. It reflects a shared vision. He said he cannot clean all the waste. However, he hopes to contribute in his own way. His art will inspire better waste management. It shows how discarded materials gain new life.

The artwork stands as a powerful reminder. It shows what collective actions can create. This is true for both good and bad actions. It strongly encourages communities and visitors. They must treat waste responsibly. It teaches recognition of a simple fact. Even discarded materials can become meaningful. This project is a crucial first step. It shows that environmental challenges can spark creativity. They can inspire new livelihood opportunities. Reshaping waste into art raises awareness. Art can inspire whole communities. Creativity paves the way toward a better sustainability.

A Shared Duty to Our Cherished Lake

This sculpture is more than just art. It is an emotional public statement. It is a powerful call to every tourist. It asks them to be fully responsible. We are all accountable for our actions. The project’s success shows true community strength. The collective effort brought this beautiful vision to life. The partners look forward to more such initiatives.

This art is a final, urgent message. It is addressed to every visitor who stops here. Take a photograph of this powerful artwork. But more importantly, carry its lesson with you. The fate of Umiam Lake is in our hands. Our shared duty is to protect this treasure. We must preserve this natural beauty. This ensures its wonder for all future generations. By doing so, we ensure Meghalaya thrives. We build a future for clean and responsible travel. We must honor the Earth that nurtures us all.