Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Nagaland chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen on Monday visited several flood-affected and flood-prone areas in Dimapur to review and assess the recurring flood situation in Dimapur and east Dimapur ahead of the monsoon season.
Imchen, accompanied by officials from the district administration and various government departments, undertook an inspection in Nagarjan Police Point, Vilhume/S.M. Colony, East Block Burma Camp (Narkul Turning), DMC dumping area, Sunrise colony and New Field Check Gate to assess the prevailing flood situation and recurring drainage issues in the affected areas.
During the inspection, officials briefed him on the major causes of flooding, including clogged drainage systems, encroachment along drainage channels, and inadequate drainage infrastructure in several localities.
Following the site inspection, Imchen had a brief meeting with the officials, where he stressed the urgent need for improving solid waste management, stronger inter-departmental coordination, and behavioural change among citizens.
Addressing officials and stakeholders, he highlighted the growing problem of clogged drains caused by plastic waste and improper disposal practices.
He said strainers should be installed across drains upstream to prevent the accumulation of plastic and other debris in drainage channels.
Similar preventive measures, he said, should also be integrated into the construction of check dams and other drainage infrastructure.
Emphasising the importance of coordinated action, Imchen called for close cooperation among the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, district administration, police, public health engineering department, and municipal bodies to tackle recurring urban flooding and sanitation challenges.
He directed that segregation of waste at the household level into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories must be implemented without delay, adding that the government would soon issue the necessary orders in this regard.
Imchen said the municipal bodies would be held directly responsible for solid waste management, and urged the representatives from municipal councils, civil society organisations, and the Naga Council Dimapur to work collectively in maintaining sanitation, removing encroachments, and ensuring effective waste disposal practices.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the current state of municipal services, the chief secretary pointed out that despite having adequate manpower, inefficiencies such as poorly maintained garbage collection vehicles were severely affecting waste management operations.
He directed the authorities to prioritise repair and maintenance of vehicles while ensuring better utilisation of available resources.