In pursuance of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign and the call by the state government to conduct a mass cleanliness drive across the state, various organizations, institutes etc. have been conducting cleanliness drives across the state. Following are some more reports of these drives.
Niuland: Niuland ADC office organised a mass gathering of village leaders and officers in collaboration with PHED Niuland sub-division on September 29 in keeping with the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign.
A press release from PHED Nuiland sub-division stated that the chief patron was Jacob Zhimomi, minister PHED. The implementation report was presented by the PHED department. The report highlighted the way forward from 2014 when SBM (G) was launched and has now achieved the target of 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) by constructing 7618 toilets since then. This was earlier initiated on September 24, 2018 by launching the ‘Swachagrahis’, or foot soldiers, to propagate the message of sanitation by the department, where 180 trained Swachagrahis were sent out.
Under the SBM (G), the department has worked to eliminate open defecation, eradicate manual scavenging, facilitate modern and scientific methods of waste management as well as educating the masses on health and hygiene.
The chief patron lauded the department for its efforts and also for achieving the target before October 2, 2019 which is the nation’s target to declare India as ODF. He further added that development was not just about concrete structures but a civilized lifestyle where good sanitation practices become part of living.
Mangkolemba Town: Along with the rest of the state, citizens of Mangkolemba Town on September 29, conducted a mass social work drive under “Swachh Bharat Mission” in and around Mangkolemba Town.
A press release by personal assistant to advisor of Law & Justice, Border Affairs, Treasuries & Accounts, Dr. Logrineken Ao stated that the social work was also joined by the advisor.
More than 900 people, including students, youth, GBs, colony chairmen from the nine wards under Mangkolemba Town Council and officials from all departments under ADC, Mangkolemba participated in the cleanliness drive.
In his address, Dr. Longrineken lauded the massive turn out and encouraged the people to maintain the culture of keeping the town, colonies and their wards clean.
ADC, Mangkolemba, Razouvolie Dozo also thanked the citizens of the Mongkolemba and also all the staff for taking part.
VWF and DMC: Vivekananda Welfare Foundation (VWF) in collaboration with Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) carried out a cleanliness drive “Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign” with the slogan “sanitation is everyone’s business, let’s make Swachh Bharat Mission a reality” on September 30.
A press release from VWF stated that, about 50 members from VWF took part and cleaned the stretch of road from TK Angami Complex to Suburban Police Station, Signal Bosti.
Niranjan Saha, president, VWF also delivered a speech on the occasion. Non-members of VWF and members of United Youths Association also voluntarily joined in on the drive.
DMC put a back-hoe, labourers and trucks at their disposal for the drive.
Nature’ Club KSC Jotsoma: Nature’s Club of Kohima Science College (KSC) Jotsoma organized a “drainage cleaning campaign” on September 29. A press release from Nature’s Club stated that students collected waste and garbage dumped along the roadside, culverts and drainage from Minister’s Hill Higher Secondary School to the college premises.
Nature’s Club also expressed its gratitude to Dr. Lily Sema, principal, KSC for initiating the campaign and providing various financial and other support.
NSS, SJU: The NSS of St. Joseph University (SJU) organized a cleanliness, plantation and awareness campaign on the occasion of the Swachta Hi Seva movement at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), 4th mile Dimapur on September 29. A press release from SJU, PRO, Fr. Justin stated that, 40 NSS volunteers of the university under the guidance of the NSS coordinators professor Daniel M. Khan and professor Limongi participated in the campaign.
BYG: As part of the ongoing “Swachhta Hi Seva” campaign, Bengali Youth Generation (BYG) in collaboration with Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) conducted a mass social work drive on September 30 at Army camp area, opposite Lhumothi Colony. A release by BYG stated that Ganesh Sharma of DMC along with DMC labours also extended support to BYG in cleaning the area which was deplorably dirty due to random garbage dumping.
BYG, in the release, also stated that it has requested the station headquarter of Army Camp, Rangapahar to fence the area for the safety of the society. Meanwhile, BYG project chairman, Dipankar Mazumdar, has requested all the people residing nearby to not dump their garbage in that area.
PTCSU: The Phek Town Chakhesang Students Union (PTCSU) successfully conducted the 3rd phase of its sanitation drive with Government Higher Secondary School Phek. A press release from PTCSU stated that the drive started from clock tower to the local ground area. More than 600 students were present with six teachers. PTCSU speaker Surhoveyi Khesoh thanked the students for their cooperation and encouraged them to take active participation in creating a clean and a healthy environment.
BRTF, BRO: As part of the Swachhata hi Seva Abhiyan, which is being conducted from September 29 to October 2, 15 BRTF, BRO Kohima conducted a cleanliness drive at H igh School Junction, Kohima and adjoining areas on Sunday morning. PRO (Defence), Col C Konwer in a press release stated that other cleanliness activities are also planned for the period till the end of the abhiyan.
78 Battalion CRPF: 78 Battalion CRPF, Zubza, Kohima organized a cleanliness drive at the Unit’s headquarters and company locations including various locations at Sechu-Zubza village, under the leadership of commandant, Surender Singh.
A press release by the battalion stated that officers, men and their families and locals participated in cleaning up their surroundings and road sides. The villagers were made aware about the importance of waste disposal and clean surroundings, in trimming or removing unwanted long grass and weeds, spraying bleaching powder in unhygienic ditches, and preventing water-logging to stop the spread of water borne diseases.
The unit commandant briefed the officers, men, villagers and students of Government High School on the campaign. A rally was also conducted with banners and placards outside the school premises.
AR Medziphema Battalion: Medziphema Battalion under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North), organized Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drive at Medziphema Town — a combined effort of troops and students of Assam Rifles battalion and Government School children — on September 27.
According to an Assam Rifles press release, in a similar event, Khiphre Battalion also organised a cleanliness drive at its Battalion Headquarter Kiphire and Company Operating Bases of Pungro, Anutongre, Longmatre and Akhegwo. The program was effective in driving home an important lesson on maintainence of hygiene and sanitation and its benefits to the society.