DIMAPUR: Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, a nationwide fortnight-long cleanliness drive/activities by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, aimed at promoting cleanliness and sanitation was launched across the State on September 17.
The state level launching programme of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024, in joint collaboration of SBM-G, Nagaland and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) under the theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhat’ was held at the conference hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima.
According to DIPR, principal secretary PHE, E Mhonbemo Patton, officially launched the 10th edition of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 describing this year’s campaign as special and sought cooperation and continued support of all the stakeholders.
He said the whole approach of Swachhata divas was a whole government approach and effort has been put in to spread as well as to practice sanitation as it was everyone’s responsibility.
He also said that the campaign will not only be limited to the government departments, but called on all the ULBs, village councils and people of the state for their cooperation and participation in the State wide cleanliness drive.
Commissioner & Secretary, UDD & MA, Kekhrievor Kevichusa (IPoS) briefing about the SHS said that the campaign aims to raise awareness about cleanliness and hygiene through community participation by observing this year’s theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhat’ implying cleanliness of nature and cleanliness of culture.
Kekhrievor remarked that the State with its renewed innovative approach to the Swachhata format anticipates participation from the public, ULBs and departments concerned.
He further said that the campaign was not limited only to two departments but different departments converging for one celebration highlighting that the department will take the assistance of school education for spreading awareness in schools and health departments for organizing health camps.
He also stated that this year’s campaign marked the 10th anniversary, and therefore, the State has decided to be more innovative in their approach by adopting the slogan “My Waste, My Responsibility” or “Moi Laga Jabrah, Moi Laga Kaam”, making cleanliness a personal matter.
He also informed that the State Steering Committee consisting of all the departments have decided to adopt the Lao-ong- Mo Festival of Konyak tribe, which is observed by clearing footpaths and streets with community celebration. He added that Steering Committee has also decided to prolong the Swachhata celebrations by extending the campaign till November 30 with the start of the Hornbill Festival.
Other highlights of the program included a video message by advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, SHG 2024 national anthem and administering of Swachhata pledge. Later after the officials program a cleanliness drive at the secretariat office campus with the theme “Moi Laga Jabrah, Moi Laga Kaam” (My waste, My Responsibility) was carried out.
KOHIMA
KOHIMA: Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) officially kicked off the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign with a ‘Safarmitra Suraksha Shivir’—a free health camp for ward and village sanitation drivers and workersat New Supermarket Complex, Razhu Point, Kohima.
T. Lanusenla Longkumer, CEO of KMC, welcomed all the participants and addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. She outlined that from September till October 2, 2024, a range of activities including cleanliness drives and awareness initiatives would take place to mark the occasion.
She also urged sanitation workers to uphold cleanliness in their personal lives, paralleling the important role they play in maintaining the city’s hygiene. She further encouraged all workers to register for the free health check-up, underscoring the council’s commitment to their well-being.
Following the CEO’s address, the Swachhata Pledge was recited, affirming the participants’ dedication to cleanliness. The health camp provided free medical tests and counselling services for all sanitation workers. Basic work and safety gear were also distributed to ensure their safety during daily operations. A total of 120 persons availed free medical camp.
Pre-launch activities, such as the distribution of cloth bags to pedestrians to discourage the use of plastic, were also conducted. As part of the broader SHS 2024 campaign, KMC will be organizing a “Clean Habits, Clean Values” cleanliness drive on September 18 from 7 am from Old MLA Junction (opposite Ao Church) to Razhu Point. All residents of Kohima have been invited to join the effort to keep the city clean, green, and healthy. Participants have been reminded to bring their own water bottles.
MEDZIPHEMA
MEDZIPHEMA: To mark the launch of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024, Swachhata pledge was administered by ADC Medziphema, P. James Swu where all members present took Swachhata pledge at City Centre, Medziphema.
In his introductory speech James Swu called upon the people to create an environment of cleanliness beginning from home and encouraged the gathering to integrate cleanliness into their daily lives. During the fortnight program from September 17 to October 2, 2024 various activities will be conducted in the town. In this connection, the ADC requested all the people of Medziphema Town to actively participate in the various activities and also sought suggestion for other creative initiative.
Special guest, Dr. Kobu Khate, Chief Technical Officer, ICAR-NRC on Mithun Jharnapani, Medziphema also encouraged the gathering to take ownership of cleaning the surrounding and show good example to our society.
The program was chaired by Kelengunuo Zumu, Convenor, Water & Sanitation MTC and invocation by pastor Keviuchulie Mezhu, Town Baptist Church, Medziphema. Greetings by Abei Thepa, chairperson MTC and special presentation by Regina Chakrunuo brand Ambassador, Fashion Entrepreneur and founder of clothing brand REGINA.
ATOIZU
ATOIZU: The campaign was launched in Atoizu at the DB Hall, ADC office.
At the launching programme, EAC Atoizu, Dr Samuel Akho Konyak P emphasized the importance of cleanliness in public spaces and instilling cultural values of hygiene under the theme Swabhav Swachhata – Saanskar Swachhata.
Dr. Samuel, also spoke extensively on the importance of cleanliness, underscoring how cleanliness was vital for overall well-being—encompassing physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and societal health. He also provided a historical context of poor hygiene, drawing from examples of poor sanitation in 19th-century England, where diseases such as cholera and typhoid were rampant.
He also touched on traditional practices in some parts of India, such as open defecation and free-roaming animals, which contributed to poor hygiene and health risks in the past.
He further emphasized the need to preserve good traditions while eliminating harmful practices.
He encouraged preserving positive traditions, such as using eco-friendly materials, which align with modern values of sustainability and communal well-being.
Short speeches were also delivered by councillor of the Atoizu Town Council Venus Awomi, and a delegate from the Atoizu Range Students’ Union (ARSU), Jelivi Chophy. Both speakers emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from the youth, community leaders, and government officials to ensure the success of the cleanliness drive.
The event was chaired by Dr. Gihuka Chishi, Medical Officer of Atoizu CHC, invocation by Rev. Vikuto Katty, pastor SBAK Aizuto, special performance by Hokavi B Chishi, vote of thanks by Pinoto H Kiba, Assistant Cultural Secretary of Students’ Union of Atoizu Town (SUAT), and benediction by Khekiye Achumi, pastor of SBAK Nito Mount.
LONGLENG
LONGLENG: The launching programme of Swachata Hi Seva was launched at DCs conference hall, Longleng. Presenting a brief highlight of the key activities of the campaign, EAC, C. Tsalimse Sangtam, encouraged the gathering to actively participate during the campaign and said it was inclusive and a community bone activities.
ADC and administrator Longleng, Alongdhimen Jamir, highlighted the activities like slogan, Essay writing and Painting competition on the theme “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata” (Cleanliness of Nature Cleanliness of Culture) for school students and conducting a mass social work to be conducted on September 28. He therefore sought to facilitate a large scale advocacy and people’s participation.
CHIEPHOBOZOU
CHIEPHOBOZOU: Chiephobozou Town Council (CTC) in collaboration with district administration launched the campaign at Don Bosco School Auditorium, Chiephobozou Town.
Launching the campaign on the theme: “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskar Swachhata” deputy chairperson, CTC, Kekhrieneinuo Catherine Zumvu appraised the gathering about the significant milestone achieved as Swachh Bharat Mission celebrates its tenth anniversary. She also announced the competition for all the students in Chiephobozou for essay competition and drawing competition under the topic “Cleanliness and Plastic Waste Management “
Delivering an opening remark, EAC Chiephobozou, Khriethozo emphasized on clean nature, clean culture and appraised the students to learn and practise cleanliness.
He urged the students to spread the message of keeping the environment clean to their respective parents.
After taking the pledge, the councillors of CTC distributed sanitary items to the students.
The program was chaired by Keviselie Rüpreo, executive secretary CTC; invocation by Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandez, Associate Priest St. Dominic Parish Chiephobozou; welcome Song by DBS Students Chiephobozou and closing remark by Rev. Fr. N. Abraham, Principal DBS, Chiephobozou.
WOKHA
WOKHA: In Wokha, the campaign was launched at Town council hall, with an urgent call for personal and community involvement in cleanliness efforts.
ADC Wokha Renbomo Ezung, addressing the gathering, explained that the “Swachhata Hi Seva” mission was a part of the larger Swachh Bharat Mission, a national campaign aimed at creating a cleaner India.
He revealed that this year’s theme for the initiative was “Cleanliness is Service” and emphasized the need for personal accountability. He informed that Swachhta Bharat Mission initiated in 2014, but cleanliness is still lacking due to bad habit and relying on others. The ADC also encouraged the citizens to take ownership of their surroundings, and also stressed on the importance of proper waste management.
During the launch programme, chairperson of WTC, Khozamo Lotha highlighted the need for cleanliness in the town, calling upon the people to come together to build a cleaner and healthier environment. He also appealed to the colony chairmen to organize regular social work initiatives and ensure on keeping their surroundings clean. Swachhata pledge was also taken by the gathering and the pledge was administered by ADC Wokha and representatives from various colonies of Wokha expressed their views and opinions on how to make the town cleaner.