PHED conducts cleanliness drive at Kisama
Nagaland joined the nationwide celebration of the 10th anniversary of Swachhata Hi Seva, with a mass cleanliness drive aimed at transforming neglected garbage spots into clean areas. The campaign, focused on environmental protection and public health, is being conducted across the country, including various districts of Nagaland.
As part of the initiative, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), in collaboration with the Kigwema and Phesama village councils, conducted a major cleanliness drive at the Kisama Naga Heritage Village. The location, which serves as a key tourism hub showcasing Nagaland to visitors, was the focus of a cleanup operation to eliminate waste and improve sanitation.
The drive commenced at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, with volunteers from both villages actively participating in manual waste collection, supported by machinery such as JCBs and dumpers. Collected waste was subsequently transported to the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) dumping site.
The Kisama Heritage Village cleanliness drive was part of a larger state-level initiative under the Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU) program. PHED, Kohima Rural and Urban Divisions, along with village councils, jointly organized the program to address illegal dumping and unsanitary spots in rural and urban areas. The drive aimed to raise awareness about the importance of environmental cleanliness and encourage community participation in maintaining public hygiene.
Throughout the state, similar mass shramdaan (cleanliness drives) were held, targeting vulnerable garbage sites, traditional water sources, village gates, and meeting places.
The campaign, running from September 17 to October 2, also includes Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. These activities feature Swachhata talks, waste-to-art competitions in government schools, and cultural festivals, all with the goal of promoting sanitation awareness.
The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, launched in 2017, has evolved into an annual observance culminating on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
The initiative, directed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, promotes collective action for sanitation under the theme “Sanitation is Everyone’s Business.”
This year’s campaign will feature a variety of events, including human chains, cultural festivals, health screenings, and the recognition of sanitation workers and champions who have made significant contributions to the cause. Pledges, flash mobs, and public engagements are also planned to reinforce the message of cleanliness across Nagaland.
During a short programme at Kisama prior to the cleaning drive, keynote address on SHS 2024 was delivered by principal secretary, PHED, E Mhonbemo Patton, while Swachhtta pledge was initiated by state S&H consultant WSSO, PHED, Lhousikhono Zinyu.
A swachhtta folk tune was presented by Sedepfüko Phesama while vote of thanks was proposed by chairman, village council Phesama, Bizo M Kuotsu. On the sidelines of the drive, Kuotsu pointed out that although NLTP Act was implemented in the state there were reports of alcohol sale and consumption at Kisama.
He said all year round people litter the heritage village with alcohol bottles creating ecological hazards. In this regard he urged the government to strictly implement NLTP act and curb all such unhealthy activities at the heritage site.
Kohima Municipal Council organises cleanliness drive
As part of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) organised a cleanliness drive under the banner “Clean Habits, Clean Values” on September 18.
According to DIPR report, the social work started from Old MLA Junction to Razhü Point.
KMC chairperson, Neikhozo Suokhrie, inaugurated the SHS 2024 campaign, and stressed the importance of large-scale citizen involvement, and regular cleanliness drives.
Chief Executive Officer, KMC, T Lanusenla Longkumer, administered the SHS Oath to the participants, reinforcing the campaign’s values. Longkumer also reviewed the activities carried out so far and urged citizens to take the initiative by organizing similar cleanliness drives in their own wards, colonies, and workplaces.
Swachhata Hi Seva at Jalukie, Purana Bazar
The nationwide campaign on Swachhata Hi Seva, a mass cleanliness drive, as part of Swachh Bharat Mission’s (SBM) tenth anniversary, was launched in Jalukie town and at Purana Bazar by East Dimapur Town Council on September 17.
At Jalukie Town, EAC Sizin Renttah, who launched the campaign also facilitated the pledge-taking ceremony. The event witnessed participation from councilors, heads of departments (HoDs), civil society organizations (CSOs), students and teachers from different schools and colleges.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Jalukie Town Councilor Lathaingam and invocation by Jalukie Town Local Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Mongzeung Mpon. Deputy chairperson Jalukie Town Council Tingba Hegui delivered the welcome note while Kingdom Steward member delivered a speech on “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” urging participants to adopt cleanliness and responsibility towards maintaining a clean environment in the town. The event was attended by around 70 individuals committed to promote cleanliness in the area.
EDTC: East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) along with the EDTC executive officer held a launching programme of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) at daily market, Purana Bazar. The programme was chaired by Krishna Mech and keynote address was delivered by EDTC executive officer Zakabo V Rotokha.
A short speech on SHS was delivered by EDTC chairman Niuto Awomi. The pledge and launching of the campaign was led by deputy chairman Raza-u Dozo along with the members present, followed by a social work.