Kevijau colony hosts workshop on sustainable waste practices

DIMAPUR — As part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a workshop on waste management and composting as an alternative to burning of waste was held at Kevijau colony, Dimapur, on September 24.

According to a DIPR report, the event aimed to promote sustainable waste disposal practices and encourage community participation in household and community waste management.

Delivering the keynote address, Imlijungla, EAC Dimapur, stressed the urgent need to adopt eco-friendly waste management practices to combat rising pollution levels.

The EAC remarked that clean air is the most basic need for a healthy life, yet it remains under constant threat from vehicles, industries, waste burning, and other human activities.

Imlijungla highlighted that the NCAP, launched by the Government of India, seeks to reduce air pollution and make cities healthier places to live.

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“The success of NCAP depends on collective effort — government, local bodies, and most importantly, the people. Real change begins when each citizen takes responsibility: by avoiding waste burning, keeping our surroundings clean, planting trees, and making small but meaningful lifestyle changes,” she stated.

She encouraged the community to act together, saying, “The change we hope for begins within our own community. We must first reduce the waste within ourselves — our habits, our negligence and then extend that effort to our surroundings.”

She also highlighted the upcoming Run 4 Green marathon organised by the Dimapur Municipal Council, in collaboration with the district administration, Dimapur Development Authority, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, and the National Youth Climate Consortium with partner NGOs including Team Better Dimapur, Can Youth, and Pro-Rural, to be held on September 27.

The event, with objective to raise awareness about clean air in Dimapur, will also include tree planting on the theme ‘Plant for a tree marathon.’

She noted that every tree planted is a step toward a healthier tomorrow and a commitment to the future.

Speaking on the importance of waste segregation, Adrian, a consultant with the DMC, stressed the importance of waste segregation, warning that burning waste poses significant health risks. He advocated for transforming waste into a valuable resource through proper segregation, highlighting a more sustainable approach to waste management.

 “Every household can contribute by separating wet and dry waste. Not everything should go into the same bin. If we take responsibility and teach one another, we can turn waste into wealth and build a cleaner, healthier Dimapur,” he said.

The consultant highlighted that despite spending around INR 48 lakh monthly on waste management — covering labour, drivers, and diesel — the DMC can turn waste into a revenue-generating resource with proper handling and management.

The technical session was led by the Life Ministry Learning Centre, which demonstrated composting techniques as a sustainable alternative to open burning of waste.

The workshop concluded with a distribution of compost bins and a vote of thanks by Kesovonou, general secretary of KWO.

The programme was chaired by A Obangmenla Jamir, president of Kevijau Women’s Organisation (KWO).