Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) launched “Safai Apnao, Bimar Bhagao” (SABB), an initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), on Thursday, at Lotha Hoho Ki, DC Court Junction. The initiative was launched by Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang.
Highlighting on the SABB, DMC administrator, W Manpai Phom, said the initiative calls for urgent collective and inter sectoral efforts to bolster infrastructure, implement robust hygiene practices, and foster community engagement to mitigate risks posed by monsoon season. Phom said Dimapur witnessed flood like situations, water stagnation under its municipality, causing huge discomfort among residents leading to water borne health issue.
To address the issues, he said strategic cleaning initiatives were conducted at specific locations within the municipality. However, due to over growth of vegetation in natural drainage system and some corners not under the reach of mechanical machineries, manual labor were carried out.
Therefore, he informed that a mass cleanliness drive has been scheduled on Saturday, which would focus more on locating garbage vulnerable point, so as to disallow throwing of garbage in unwanted area.
Phom further encouraged the community to continue supporting the DMC in its efforts to bring positive changes in Dimapur. Delivering a brief message, DC, Tinojongshi, reiterated the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the city, and urged all to continue to do so.
He pointed that the SBM was implemented to fulfill the dream of Mahatma Gandhi to make the country clean.
He mentioned that while many Northeastern states faced severe flooding, where many people lost lives and their homes, Dimapur has been relatively lucky, attributing this to the collaborative efforts in keeping the city clean.
He expressed hope that all elected DMC councillors would fulfill their commitments to maintaining a clean environment.
Meanwhile, newly elected DMC chairman, Hukheto Yepthomi, considered SABB initiative as a fitting opportunity for the new councilors to advance their agendas, and suggested seminars on hygiene and sanitation be conducted for councilors, to ensure that the messages reach the grassroots levels.
Yepthomi later assured that Dimapur would see significant improvements by next year, and therefore appealed for support and cooperation from all sections.
The event also witnessed DVBO, Kavito Zhimomi, speaking on the topic “Awareness on Water & Vector Borne Diseases”, and Sanitation Inspector, DMC, Temsuwapang Longchar, dwelling on the topic “Awareness on Water Logging & Proper Drainage”. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Lensanaro, and vote of thanks by enforcement officer, DMC, T Revo Anar.