Adviser of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Zhaleo Rio has flagged improper disposal of waste and also lack of civic sense among section of the residents in Dimapur, as factors that have witnessed flash floods in the city.
Zhaleo noted this while interacting with a section of the media after inspecting the city’s clogged drainage system and waste disposal in several areas of Dimapur, in presence of DC Dimapur Sachin Jaiswal, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) administrator Manpai Phom, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) District Hospital Dimapur, Dr Limatula Aier, Dy Commissioner Police (DCP) Dimapur Vesupra Kezo and other state government officials Sunday.
Zhaleo explained that the purpose of the inspection was to see whether the drainage system was in working condition, especially considering the recurring monsoon-related civic problems faced by the residents.
After inspecting the wards and colonies, he remarked that despite the presence of proper drains, it was disheartening that many citizens were not acting responsibly with waste disposal.
He expressed concern over improper disposal of garbage by public, even in areas having proper drainage system. He also emphasised the urgent need for public to adopt healthy waste disposal practices and to take proper care of drains.
“Drains are in place, but it is sad to see people disposing off their garbage in drains. Unless citizens come forward and inculcate healthy practices of disposing garbage, we will continue to face issues due to drainage clogging,” he pointed out.
He lauded DMC for diligently collecting garbage on a daily basis, maintaining that daytime collection of waste was not possible due to traffic congestion.
Zhaleo also observed that illegal constructions, encroachments, etc, also posed hurdles to free flow of drains.
He disclosed that during inspection, it was noticed that several structures were coming up over the drains, which obstructed proper sewage flow. He also raised an concern over unauthorised constructions in market areas or converting open spaces into congested market stalls.
The adviser called upon the district administration to take immediate action and set a clear timeline for removal of illegal structures. He revealed that action would be taken against buildings found to be in violation of regulations with use of forces if required. He said the illegal construction would be evicted and converted into parking spaces.
In a bid to transform Dimapur into a model town and showcase its splendour as a commercial hub and as the gateway to Nagaland, Zhaleo called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, emphasising that it was imperative to address the issues promptly and effectively for general welfare of the people of the town.
Dwelling on the issue of use of single use plastic, the DC informed that a vigilance team was formed with members from the district administration, police, DMC, GBs, etc, which conducted raids on many occasions.
He cited availability of single use plastic with wholesalers as the reason for its continued use, adding that many shops were raided and fined. He claimed that shopkeepers often went to Assam to buy the single use plastic.
He stressed that unless a sense of responsibility was instilled among the citizens, the menace of use of single use plastic would continue and called for discouraging consumers to use it.
DMC administrator claimed that regular checking was done to address the menace, while stressing the need to examine and find out alternatives to single use plastic.
He said the DMC was evaluating process flaws and inefficiencies of waste collection.
As waste collection was limited to morning hours within a time span of three hours, he admitted that it was not able to cover the entire municipality area. He advocated use of smaller vehicles so that waste collection could be engaged throughout the day.
Asked whether waste segregation unit would be set up in Dimapur, Zhaleo replied that if such a requirement were there, the proposal should come from the DMC, so as to be processed.
Dengue situation not alarming: CMO
Meanwhile, commenting on the dengue situation in Dimapur district, the CMO clarified that the disease had not yet become epidemic, but admitted the surge in dengue cases.
She claimed that out of every 100 peopled tested, only 14 to 20 were found to be dengue positive, and urged people not to panic.
She appealed to patients to come to hospitals early for better medication, lamenting that many times patients reached hospital only at a later stage.
On whether fogging was a means to eradicate dengue, Aier clarified that fogging would only kill the grown mosquitoes, not the larva. Hence, she stressed on source reduction as a means to control and eradicate dengue.
She maintained that the medical department along with district administration conducted house to house visits for awareness in areas and localities where positive cases were very high.
On the rise in drug abuse and petty thefts in Dimapur, especially among students and youth, DCP Dimapur, Vesupra Kezo admitted most theft cases were committed by drug abusers.
He stated that the police was waging a war against drugs and doing their best to put an end to the growing menace. Kezo claimed that drugs were coming primarily from Manipur, assuring that effort were being made to trace those people bringing in drugs.
He said that the police under the leadership of DGP Nagaland Rupin Sharma were working 24/7 to eradicate the menace of drugs being brought in to Dimapur, adding that they were successful in catching some of the main suppliers.