Mawlynnong (Shillong), Jan. 30 : Mawlynnong, a small settlement located 75 kilometres from Shillong in Meghalaya, has earned the unique distinction of being declared the `cleanest village' in entire Asia.

The exclusive recognition has been conferred on the hamlet by a team of experts from the famous travel and tourism journal, ''Discovery India''.

Residents of this beautifully located village keep their surrounding clean by voluntarily performing all the civic duties such as sweeping the roads and lanes, watering the plants in public area, cleaning drains etc.

"All the people living in this village together take an effort to keep the village clean and tidy. Even small children help us to keep the village clean. These children never litter garbage around. They always make it a point to keep the village clean," said Leaderfiels Khongwit, a villager.

Dustbins crafted from bamboo canes are placed at important points in the village, and to supplement the beauty of their tiny cottages, the locals here foster different flowers in front of their houses and also in the backyards.

The serene beauty of Mawlynnong has now made it a popular tourist spot for holiday-makers.

"Cleanliness and awareness of the people of this village has really made me wonder, how these people living in such a remote area can be so aware about their surroundings. These people are far more civilised then many of us," said Sukanya Dey, a holiday maker from Kolkata. (ANI)