NLA panel’s green crackdown reaches Dimapur

                                                 A sanitation worker segregates waste at a landfill site in Dimapur.

• DIMAPUR — After Kohima, the Committee on Environment and Climate Change of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, chaired by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, conducted its next inspection of key pollution hotspots in Chümoukedima and Dimapur on Thursday.
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• The visit covered dumping sites and riverbanks, including the Chathe and Dhansiri rivers, followed by a joint meeting with the respective municipal bodies.

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• Kikon was accompanied by Advisors Zhaleo Rio (Urban Development and Municipal Affairs) and Z Nyusietho Nyuthe (New & Renewable Energy and NSDMA), as well as representatives from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, Swachh Bharat Mission, village councils, and local municipal officials.
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• Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Kikon asserted that the committee is on a mission mode to address urgent ecological and urban challenges.
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• The latest round of inspection began at Chümoukedima dumping site and continued to the Chathe River near CIHSR, where the team reviewed embankment work meant to prevent erosion.
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• Kikon stressed the importance of safeguarding riverbanks, noting the government’s investment in such protective measures through the Urban Development Department.
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• Next, the team visited the banks of Dhansiri River near Urban Haat where, according to Kikon, the river looked yellow. The final stop was the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) dumping site at Burma Camp, which was described as “disheartening.”
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• Kikon outlined certain key areas the committee intends to address—including river rejuvenation—which he stressed was urgent due to many rivers drying up. He also highlighted growing human-animal conflict, caused by deforestation and population pressure, along with environmental concerns like unregulated stone crushers and sawmills operating in residential areas.
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• During the subsequent meeting with Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC), and DMC, a consensus was reached to prohibit residents from dumping garbage or discharging septic waste into rivers. The councils are expected to pass resolutions to this effect immediately.
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• Another concern raised was unregulated riverbed mining for sand, gravel, and boulders within urban areas. Kikon urged the respective deputy commissioners to halt the issuance of new mining permits in town areas.
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• Responding to a question on the INR 200 crore "fine" imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Kikon clarified that it was not a penalty but a directive to raise funds for improving environmental infrastructure.
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• The committee also underscored the importance of waste segregation and appealed to citizens to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Kikon urged the media to act as partners in raising awareness about sanitation and environmental issues.
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• When asked about Dimapur’s recycling capacity, Kikon admitted that while plans are in place, public cooperation is essential. He noted that with the 16th Finance Commission prioritising urban development, hopes are high for adequate funding next year to install incineration machines and improve waste infrastructure.
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• Regarding the relocation of the Dimapur dumping site, Kikon confirmed that land for a new site has been acquired, but added that the site must be properly developed with scientific waste management systems before any shift. “Without proper planning, we risk repeating the same mistakes,” he said.
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• Addressing concerns over the sanitation fee hike from INR 60 to INR 80 per month, Advisor Zhaleo Rio acknowledged that garbage collection should ideally be daily and promised to direct authorities accordingly.
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• He cited support provided, such as small electric unloading vehicles, and said performance must be held accountable if service fails to improve.
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• On another controversial issue, Zhaleo responded to reports of DMC levying an INR 1,000 monthly regulation fee on business owners. He clarified that while ULBs have powers under the Nagaland Municipal Act to collect utility and trade license fees, any new or additional charges must be properly vetted and approved.
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• Regarding the long-delayed parking infrastructure at Hazi Park and Hong Kong Market, Zhaleo attributed the delay to a lack of initiative from the newly elected municipal council. He underscored the need for active local planning and implementation.
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• He also addressed concerns over illegal allotments and encroachments in the Hong Kong Market area. He reaffirmed his commitment to regulating such issues and referred to previous eviction drives carried out with the district administration. “We won’t hesitate to act again if necessary,” he asserted.