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Dimapur, June 23 (EMN): A Better Dimapur has recently been on its toes with their new objective for a "mask campaign" in Dimapur as wearing masks have become a 'new normal' for every individual.
"When the pandemic of Covid-19 engulfed Nagaland as with the rest of the world, the team also wanted to assist in whatever possible ways they could. The team unanimously agreed to hand out face masks, because it was something basic yet there were many without having access to one.
"Accordingly the team pooled in resources of their own, from friends and well wishers and started out the project at hand. The initial target was to stitch 5000 face masks and distribute accordingly with the target group being pedestrians, street vendors, hawkers within the city limits" Along Aier, a member of A Better Dimapur, informed Eastern Mirror.
The team has been ushering Dimapur towards a more environmentally conscious state of existence and has been involved in numerous areas of social work since its inception in 2017 under the tutelage of Dimapur Municipal Corporation (DMC). This team has been engineered to achieve a cleaner, greener and healthier Dimapur with community participation and committed to their common determination.
"The mask campaign was crucial at this moment because it is a necessity for this pandemic yet many do not have access to one or most importantly, many do not know its significance. Hence the team sensitised the people while distributing the masks. Many lack awareness; they have masks but at home, in their pockets or without covering their nose," he said.
Bambi Kevichusa, a member of the team said, "I believe that it's important not only to provide free masks for the public but also to create awareness amongst the people. People on the streets and markets were very happy to receive them. I think the mask being free was a bonus too."
On the claims of some people, especially at the quarantine centres, insisting the government to provide masks, she shared: "I know there are countries where the governments are providing face masks to their citizens, which is wonderful. But unfortunately, in our state our government is still not in a place to provide many of the basic infrastructures itself. And especially now, it is stretching itself and its resources thin in this battle against Covid-19. So I don't think the public should be making demands for free masks. This is where the A Better Dimapur initiative and many others have come in to fill in this gap. Having said that, I am hopeful that one day we will have a state that will use its resources to provide its citizens what they rightfully deserve".
“Mask awareness campaign is essential at the moment because many aren't aware of why masks are being worn and how it can help us to prevent any type of viruses or diseases,” another team member, Achano Tungoe, said .
"As we carried out the mask distribution in the streets, we came across both educated and uneducated without masks. When we confronted them they either said they have it at home or inside their pocket. To this, we learn that they were either unaware of the importance or ignorant. We also observed many underprivileged with worn-out surgical masks or with just a scarf. It seems that they were not able to afford even one. Seeing this, we felt the need of the hour to extend help through mask distribution,” she added.
She said that she personally does not want to seek help from the government 'just for a piece of mask.'
"If winter comes, we purchase warm clothes to stay warm and not to catch cold. Likewise, to prevent flu like virus or any other diseases, why not try to prepare our own precautions by starting to simply wear a mask. At least that would be a contribution to the government in fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic" she suggested.
With limited funds, the team approached local tailors who readily agreed to help them and with the finished products, the team had the inaugural function on May 22 at The Garden, Supermarket area in Dimapur in the presence of PHED minister Jacob Zhimomi; Anoop Khinchi, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur; Y. Kikheto Sema APC and Covid 19 in-charge Dimapur; Commissioner of Police, Dimapur Rothihu Tetseo and DMC Administrator Albert Ezung.
The campaign has three drives within phase I; the first drive was distribution of masks along the City Tower area; second drive from City Tower to Plaza Junction-Dhobinala and Nyamo Lotha road; and Burma Camp police point to new Dhansiri bridge. The third drive was carried out along Blue Hill station and Khermahal road.
The team is gearing up for phase II from July and hopes that they can collectively create a strong fortress against the virus.
"As the coronavirus surges and the world fights a common enemy, the pandemic has brought to the fore numerous traits about human beings. It has evoked fear, terror, harassment, racism but also at the same time shown that we are capable of far more than that. It has also manifested our capability to care, love and extend compassion for our fellow beings," Aier said.