Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Kohima Deputy Commissioner (DC) B. Henok Buchem called for segregation of waste at the source and proper sanitation practices.
He said a mission-mode drive would be undertaken to address the issue.
Addressing a meeting on sanitation and waste management with officials, community leaders, ward representatives, and other stakeholders at the Kohima DC’s conference hall, Buchem said segregation of waste at the source has become essential.
He appealed to colony leaders to ensure that households cooperate in segregating waste into different categories.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing awareness activities and disseminating IEC (Information, Education and Communication) materials at the grassroots level.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on measures for effective waste management and sanitation in the district.
Buchem stressed the need for collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper waste management practices.
He stated that sanitation and waste management cannot be the responsibility of a single department or agency alone, but require active participation from every citizen, colony, and ward.
He urged all stakeholders to discuss practical and actionable short-term and long-term solutions to address the growing sanitation concerns in Kohima.
Buchem also urged councillors, colony chairmen, and sector magistrates to work in coordination and strengthen communication mechanisms for the effective implementation of sanitation measures across all 19 wards in Kohima town, many of which have been divided into sectors under designated magistrates.
The DC said meaningful progress can be achieved even by starting with available resources and gradually strengthening the system through collective efforts and community participation.
Alemyapang Longchar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kohima Municipal Council, said that although several discussions had previously been held on waste segregation, implementation had remained a challenge.
However, he said that, with the support of the district administration, efforts are now being intensified under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0.