Ever since the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd October, 2014 there has been a great improvement of civic sense among the Indians. The mission aimed to make India a clean country. Therefore, cleanliness drives on regular basis is advised. The wisdom of Mr. Narendra Modi found its place even in the farthest zone. Many States took up the mission seriously and created vast impact both at homes and in the cities. A standard of life is measured with cleanliness. Thus, many villages and cities began to keep clean with utmost care for environment and surrounding.
Nagaland too received the same call for cleanliness. I am sure there were schemes/projects allotted for the same. There were many VIPs who personally took brooms to clean up the streets and its surroundings. Some went even to the extent of publishing their kind works in many of the local dailies. The same should be emphasized time and again by every department both public and private. Cleanliness is not one day event with brooms in your hand only for camera sake. It is a process whereby the maintenance of towns and cities get its face clean. Sometimes declaration becomes a big show than the actual implementation.
Almost every town has Municipal Council who also looks into the matter of cleanliness. Clearing waste materials is not only the work of the municipal. Everyone has a share in raising the standard of Nagaland to certain heights. Many towns and villages of Nagaland have kept themselves exceptionally clean. A clean place or room invites better atmosphere for healthy living and interaction.
On the contrary, the red spittle of pan on the side walls and window grills of government offices, heaps of waste materials besides private institutions are the best unforgettable sights. Thick and dark smokes of cigarettes from the office of public officers, the red tongues of the officer in charge are frightening and scary sides of daily life in most offices.
Adding to all this strayed behaviour, the Swachh Nagaland of potholes and dust give the best taste of being in Nagaland. All dirty vehicles that ply in Assam are likely to be NL…. They travel either via Assam to reach their destination or for other purposes. That is why Nagas should not wonder when some vehicles could reach the southern part of India without any difficulty. Everything is possible in Nagaland for those who have money and power. The Government of Nagaland must open one servicing centre at Nagaland gate (to wash the vehicles clean before entering Assam if not the vehicles may become another animal in the reserved forest of Kaziranga). It could be a big income for the State. The tourist guides must be taught to say with a big smile showing 32 teeth with dirty shoes on his feet, “Welcome to Nagaland. We warmly welcome you with good and trembling journey. Hope you return with a normal body.”
The big potholes (let’s call it Syntaxholes) in Kohima and Dimapur are competing with each other. The holes that contain more water during rainy season will be awarded with “Swachh Nagaland” citation and cash. The award shall be given to the Ministers and MLAs of the particular constituency through cashless transaction. To achieve this dream, almost all traffic point has big ravine. The traffic police are advised to cool themselves from such 5 stars pool at free of cost. They enjoy themselves at the sight of the vehicles that swing to and fro inside the hole. To pass through such rotten road is like sitting on a see-saw. Some cars get lost inside the potholes and return only after some few minutes. We call this as “Metro-Cars”. We usually travel underneath the ground, not on road. Nagaland has become wonderland.
A big applause to the Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU) for initiating a good cause for the good of the people. They have opened their eyes wide to the realities of deplorable and deadly roads in and around Dimapur. I pray that some concern associations and unions do the same in Kohima and other districts of Nagaland before the denizen break their last remaining bone. Earlier, many organizations have given ultimatum to the concern department of the Government of Nagaland but later pull back the same and throw it into the thin air before its fulfillment. Such organizations are less trustworthy. The demand of the public that are just and right should be met on time. The Government need not wait for bandh or another letter of ultimatum.
I wonder where the buses and cars would ply – road, river or cliff. There are less roads in Nagaland. Are buses inaugurated to swim on the road? Let Naga Scientists and engineers build water proof buses and cars for Nagaland. Everything is initiated for good purpose, yet it has no ground to stand. Many Officers (government and private) look so tired at the early hours of the morning because they pass through many big holes to reach the nearest office.
If we count the number of potholes from Chumukedima to Dimapur, I am sure it will enter the “Guinness World Record, 2017.” Let us not break the record. Remember, the former Chief Minister, Mr. T. R. Zeliang. He broke the record as the CM of Nagaland. He was bestowed ‘the Lifetime Achievement Award in Transformation’ at the 6th Global Leadership Award, 2016 at Indonesia but was asked to step down in his homeland in 2017. It was a real transformation. Such transformation is seen everyday in Nagaland.Every Naga shines so brightly outside. Therefore, outsiders are forced to think that Nagaland is green and virgin hilly state with good people until they set their foot on the sharp stones, dust and mud as per the seasons of the year. Oh yes, Nagaland is still natural. Everything in Nagaland is natural. It attracts lakhs of dust particles and potholes tourists every year.
Are Nagas looking for high class life style with the worst road in the world? Where are the people who said that we need change just few months back? All the Ministers and MLAs would say again and again (in every function) that Nagas need change. Thanks for changing/turning the roads of Nagaland into cliffs. Can all the existing associations come together to seek our rights and privileges as Nagas. Shall we call all the officials who illegally ate up the finance of Nagaland to come and eat the dust or drink the distilled water from the beautiful pools on the road? This will be the most satisfying dinner because you will surely praise your own cooking style. This is what they have cooked for Nagas to eat. Innocent Nagas continue to eat such diet everyday without any strong and sincere complain.
This is the face of “Swachh Nagaland.” Mr. Narendra Modi must be invited to partake such dinner pack. Hats off to all those who have made Nagaland headless and roadless. I really salute you with two hands. You deserve it.
Your Naga Bro.,
Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing
Kohima
