Mission-mode drive on waste segregation in Kohima dist.

DIMAPUR, MAY 12 (NPN): Concerned over worsening sanitation conditions and clogged drainages across Kohima, the district administration has announced a mission-mode drive focusing on waste segregation, drainage clearance and stricter sanitation measures across all 19 wards of the state capital.
According to DIPR, the decision was taken during a meeting on sanitation and waste management held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, Kohima, on Tuesday, attended by officials, community leaders, ward representatives and other stakeholders.
Chairing the meeting, DC Kohima, B. Henok Buchem stressed the need for collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness and proper waste management practices. He said sanitation could not be handled by a single department or agency alone and required active participation from citizens, colonies and wards.
Highlighting clogged drainages as a major concern, the DC informed that a mission-mode exercise would be undertaken to address the issue.
He urged councillors, colony chairmen and sector magistrates to coordinate and strengthen communication mechanisms for effective implementation of sanitation measures.
Buchem also underscored the importance of waste segregation at source and appealed to colony leaders to ensure households separate waste into different categories. He informed that a two-week Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign would soon be launched to create awareness on waste segregation and sanitation practices at the grassroots level.
Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) chief executive officer, Alemyapang Longchar said waste segregation remained a challenge despite repeated discussions in the past. However, he said efforts were now being intensified with support from the district administration under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0.
Longchar informed that SBM-U 2.0 promotes scientific waste management and sustainable sanitation systems in urban areas, with emphasis on segregation of biodegradable, recyclable and other categories of waste to prevent untreated garbage from reaching landfill sites. He also informed that a target had been set to close all landfill areas by October 1, 2026.
During the meeting, waste was classified into biodegradable, dry, sanitary and special care waste requiring separate handling and disposal systems. Participants were informed that after the awareness phase, sanitation committees would monitor implementation and fines would be imposed for non-compliance.
Community leaders also highlighted challenges including shortage of sanitation workers, inadequate funding, lack of vehicles, maintenance issues and concerns over biomedical and hospital waste disposal. Earlier, a representative from Prege Eco Green Foundation gave a presentation on sustainable waste management and segregation practices.