World Environment Day (WED) programme in Dimapur was observed against the backdrop of absence of drainage system, problematic waste management and the health hazard posed by the DMC garbage dump located at Burma Camp under Ward No.3 by the side of the NH 29.
The theme for this year’s WED was “Beat Plastic Pollution” to create greater awareness about the threat posed on environment by plastic throughout the world.
Around 15 schools and colleges, including civil society organizations, clubs, church bodies of Dimapur joined hands with the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) in carrying out mass social work under this year’s theme for World Environment Day ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. The social work jointly organized by the DMC and an environment based NGO, Life began at Clock Tower from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Starting from DC court junction to Supermarket, 15 routes were identified for plastic waste collection and one team was assigned for dismantling banners. The civic organizations, clubs and communities were clubbed with schools and colleges to form teams. The routes identified for plastic waste collection were– DC office junction to Dhobinala, DABA to Metro Hospital, Metro Hospital to Nepali Basti Gate, Clock Tower to Plaza Point in Dhobinullah, Nyamo Lotha Road to GS Road (New Market area), Blue Hill Station to Hotel Sente, Clock Tower to Burma Camp, Deluxe Point to Super Market, Deluxe Point to Khermahal Junction, and Mhalie Peseyie Road.
Altogether 1071 kgs of plastic wastes were collected out of which 28 kgs were segregated.
Before the start of the social work, DMC administrator Moa Sangtam in his address called upon the participants to dedicate the two hours of the social work (6 to 8 am) and collectively curb plastic pollution. He advised participants to collect only the plastic wastes as other waste matters would be collected by the DMC garbage collectors.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, Moa Sangtam said that the objective of the social work was also to assess how much plastic wastes can be collected.
He also said that brand audits would be done to ascertain which brands were chiefly responsible for littering the city. The observations and data collected would then be sent to Pollution Control Board and other agencies, he added.
He also felt that manufacturers/companies should be responsible in ensuring that their products do not act as agents of pollution to the environment.
The schools, colleges and organizations that took part in the mass social work were Cornerstone School, Livingstone Foundation Hr Secondary School, MGM School, Lima Aier Hr Secondary School, St. Mary Montessori School, Pranab Vidyapith Hr Secondary School, Maple Tree School, Holy Cross Hr Secondary School, and Christian Hr Secondary School. Colleges– Dimapur Government College, SD Jain College, Tetso College, C-Edge College, NEISSR, Unity College of Teacher Education and SM College. Organizations and clubs: Pro Rural, Nagaland Police, Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union, Hill Cabs, Dimapur Bongs, Young Indians, Hindu Yuva Sangha, Bhutia/Tibetan Community, Lions Club, Dreamz Unlimited, Act of Kindness, CAN Youth, PWD Landmark Council, Team Clean Dimapur, Rongpangmen Baptist Arogo (Youth Ministry), DABA, and individual volunteers.
According to secretary, Life, Makennaro Aier, more 819 volunteers took part in the mass social work.