DMC, Pro Rural host ‘Swachhotsav’

Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), in collaboration with Pro Rural, organised a Community Awareness Programme under the theme “Swachhotsav” on Friday at the Aluminium Factory, Golaghat Road, with a focus on sustainable waste management and civic responsibility.
The programme began with welcome addresses by Ward No. 2 Councillor Neingutoulie Kenguruse and Pro Rural director Paul Lokho, who both underscored the importance of collective action between civic bodies and citizens in building a cleaner and greener Dimapur.
Delivering the keynote address, DMC CEO Thungchanbemo Tungoe outlined activities planned under the Swachhotsav campaign, including sanitation medical camps, advocacy drives, and clean and green festivities culminating on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
He called upon every household to take ownership of waste management practices. Councillor Mahesh Agarwal, speaking on the campaign’s objectives, warned against illegal dumping and said heavy fines would be imposed on violators.
He encouraged citizens to adopt simple practices such as segregating wet and dry waste, and composting kitchen scraps into garden manure. “A clean Dimapur is not only about safe living spaces for our children but also about building civic pride and responsibility,” he stated. NYCC representative Boka Rochill said the campaign reflects Dimapur’s collective aspiration for change.
He lauded the participation of NGOs, civic leaders and the public, and stressed that waste management is a public health concern. He highlighted risks such as microplastics, clogged drainage and rising health complications.
A thematic session titled “Mind Unlock” was delivered by Tolivi N. Sumi, Project Coordinator (EWM), who presented data showing Dimapur generates 74.6 metric tons of waste daily from 6,135 households, with nearly 60% being biodegradable. He stressed the need for household-level segregation and recommended composting, plastic reuse and responsible e-waste disposal.
The programme concluded with a pledge ceremony, where participants reaffirmed their commitment to cleanliness, segregation and sustainable living under the Swachhotsav initiative.
It may be mentioned that Pro Rural is a not-for-profit organisation working across four thematic areas—Environment, Empowerment, Education and Health—with a focus on climate resilience and sustainable development. The organisation promotes collaborative action and mobilises technical expertise to address environmental challenges and waste management.