Scrap sculpture set up as testimony against city's garbage trend
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A municipal initiative and inputs from artists have transformed the spot.[/caption]
Henlly Phom
Dimapur, May 20 (EMN): The Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has transformed with approximately INR six lakh in funds the otherwise public dumping area outside the Shri Ramakrishna Society at Duncan Bosti in Dimapur into a treat for eyes. There, as a testimony to the city's battle against garbage and random disposal of it, a nine feet metal sculpture named 'Existence'—symbolising life—has been mounted.
The unique, if quirky, art piece was created out of metal scrap by a Naga sculptor Mark Medom.
The piece, Existence, is a standing structure made out of metal scraps wielded into the shape of a tree. It looks straight out of a film set. The project to turn the dumping site into a place of appreciation was the brainchild of DMC administrator Moa Sangtam who is on an endeavour to transform the commercial hub of Nagaland into a 'Better Dimapur.'
The project was sponsored by the DMC. It is the collaborative work of other community groups such as Team Green; Johny from Solar World; and contribution in the form of art such as the 'tree' by Medom, and murals by a Guwahati-based Manipur artist Alex, said Sangtam.
The main components of the project are tiles, sculpture, murals the solar lights. Sangtam told Eastern Mirror.
"The tiles, which cover an area of 100/25 feet are broken bits of tiles collected from shops for free and this waste of tiles has been converted into something useful."
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The space along the wall housing the Shri Ramakrishna Society at Duncan Basti in Dimapur was being used as a garbage dumping site.[/caption]
The environment is being damaged by waste. Even the dustbins that have been provided in public spaces are not being cleared or maintained. Further, garbage meant to be contained in the public are not processed. Instead, it is often strewn outside.
Sangtam wanted to turn metal scraps into the "tree" representing life. Theiron scraps were procured from scrap dealers for INR 40000, said Sangtam and sculptor Medom turned it into something much more pleasing and less detrimental to the environment.
The wall at the area carries a Naga declaration: multi-coloured shawl depiction of the 16 recognised Naga tribes. The mural was created by artist Alex who was roped in exclusively for the work, said Sangtam.
Besides, the DMC has also installed three solar lights at a cost of INR 60000 instead of the conventional street light. This was primarily to save energy.
Local resource groups such as Team Green have planted more than 30 tropical palms, pines and variegated plants along the area continuing with its effort for a 'Better Dimapur.'
The DMC has an endeavour to do away with all public dumping places by November and come up with similar projects in around 15 places in Dimapur. Another project is in progress at Supply colony which is likely to be complete by June, Sangtam informed.
Sangtam acknowledged that, "Gone are the days when people are not wary of public property. People are inculcating civic sense, extending cooperation, valuing our efforts and at the same time we are also working with precautions."
The administrator has a message for the citizens and people: We need to understand and protect the work and effort put in by everyone which is in fact something better for the Dimapur.
