Swachhata Hi Seva launched in Nagaland with call for shared responsibility

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA — The state-level Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign for Nagaland was launched at Old NST, Kohima, on Wednesday, with MLA Achumbemo Kikon urging everyone to recognise that cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility and not just the responsibility of the government alone.

He was accompanied by Advisor for Geology and Mining Chingang Konyak, Advisor for School Education Kekhrie Yhome, and others.

Kikon said that people must understand that every citizen has the responsibility to keep their city clean and stated that everyone has contributed in a negative way by littering the city.

As Christians, he said that people must keep their surroundings and homes clean, as well as the towns and villages, and only then will they be following the teachings of the Bible in tune with their way of life and their belief in God.

Living in a fragile land, he said that if people do not contribute to maintaining their surroundings, the land will be destroyed and buildings will be at risk. He reiterated that everyone must take home the message that cleanliness is everyone’s business.

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He also stressed the importance of segregating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Further, he reminded that before the municipal action, the administrations had been looking after waste management and had tried their best to keep the town clean.

But now, with the conduct of the municipal election, they are solely responsible and have been empowered within the municipal act to enforce punishments and sanitation fees. Therefore, he urged the citizens and traders in Kohima to cooperate with the district administrations and the Kohima Municipal Council to keep the town clean. To do this, he said, they must segregate waste and convert waste into wealth.

Mission director of SBM-Urban 2.0, UDD, Kezhochole Rhetso, in her speech, also highlighted the various activities undertaken through Swachhata Hi Seva during the last eight years.

She stated that the campaign has brought many changes in waste management, but the task is far from over, and that the challenge today is to move from incremental improvement to a sustainable system, from individual acts of cleanliness to a culture of cleanliness deeply rooted in daily life.

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She said that this year’s programme calls upon everyone to join hands in ensuring visible cleanliness in their own locality. She also informed that the campaign will culminate on October 2.

Further, she said that the initiative is not just about waste collection and disposal but about reducing waste at source, promoting reuse and recycling, and embracing the principle of a circular economy. She also stressed the various objectives of Swachhata Hi Seva.

On this occasion, she called upon all the 39 ULBs of Nagaland and all the village blocks to actively participate in the campaign and elaborated on waste segregation.

She also encouraged citizens to say no to single-use plastic and to inspire others by their example.

Medziphema: At Medziphema, the town council launched Swachhata Hi Seva at City Centre with Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, as the special guest.

According to an update, speaking on the occasion, Zhaleo talked about Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness as a self-responsibility of every citizen and the need to adopt cleanliness as a way of life.

Reminding people that the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is not just the responsibility of elected councillors, he stressed the need for Swachh Bharat to encompass people from all walks of life, such as students, youths and leaders, as it requires full public participation.

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The advisor also emphasised the need for segregation of dry and wet waste starting from individual homes, which will greatly help the ULBs in recycling waste.

He spoke on the need to educate people on observing cleanliness, which will help in preventing many communicable diseases mainly caused by stagnant water and clogged drains, while also reminding ULBs that a well-coordinated team and waste segregation portal is needed to tackle these issues.

Zhaleo commended the supporters and citizens of Mon town who, in the recently concluded Dr. T Ao Trophy, set a good example by not only showing massive love and support for their team but also cleaning up the stadium after every match.

He said that such good examples should be followed by people in every walk of life.

Wokha: The Wokha Town Council (WTC) launched the programme at the WTC Conference Hall on the theme "Swachhotsav", focusing on cleanliness, festivities, and zero-waste community celebration.

In his address, Khozamo Murry, chairperson of WTC, emphasised the importance of beginning cleanliness at home. He praised councillors and staff for their dedication despite limited funds and urged them to work collectively towards keeping the town clean and orderly.

He also warned against unauthorised unions disrupting the daily market, suggesting collective wisdom to counter such unions, secure businesses, and focus on public welfare and economic growth along with income.

Chonthungo Lotha, convenor of the Sanitation Committee, stated that WTC prioritises maintaining proper and hygienic sanitation in the town. He said the "Swachhata HI Seva 2025" programme aims to achieve a plastic-free and hygienic town.

It was mentioned that the programme will conclude on October 2, with activities leading up to it, including social work with Mt. Tiyi College on September 20, cleaning of CTU (Cleanliness of Target Unit) on September 23, mass social work on September 25, and a medical camp on September 29.

He emphasised that sanitation success requires cooperation from all sections of society.

In his short speech, Zubenthung Jungio of WTC, comparing the past and present, said that despite fewer resources and manpower 20–25 years ago, the town was cleaner. He noted that currently the town requires six to seven trucks operating three times a week, with workers sometimes compelled to make double trips, yet the effort is still insufficient.

Renbomo Ezung, ADC and EO of WTC, pointed out that Wokha town lacks proper waste disposal and management. Stressing that cleanliness is the responsibility of every citizen, he called for community participation to make cleanliness a daily habit and lifestyle, citing Japan’s approach as an example.

He suggested recognising and rewarding sanitation workers for their dedication, highlighted the need to transform the WTC dumping site, and warned about emerging unscrupulous unions affecting vendors and businesses.

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Pfutsero: The Swachhata Hi Seva was observed at Pfutsero town with ADC and executive officer of Pfutsero Town Council, Mhalo Humtsoe, speaking on the importance of waste segregation, individual responsibility in managing waste, and the need to avoid dumping garbage into drains and nallas.

Director of Kolos Society Pfutsero, Kupellhi Losou, in his address, pointed out that the public continues to throw non-degradable waste into the drainage during the rainy season, causing blockages and making the town dirty.

He urged citizens to cooperate by taking responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean, paying sanitation fees on time, and contributing to the town’s cleanliness.

Aghunato: The Aghunato Town Council (ATC) launched the campaign at the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

A DIPR report stated that the initiative is being conducted under the leadership of the additional deputy commissioner and executive officer of ATC, in collaboration with the council.

ADC Aghunato, Hotolu Sema, in his welcome address, briefed the gathering about the campaign and highlighted the series of activities to be undertaken during the month-long programme. He urged all concerned to extend support and cooperation for its success.

The campaign will include activities such as constructing proper barricades at existing sites, cleaning of public ground and drains, mass social work involving schools, government offices and commercial establishments, cleaning of newly identified community toilet units (CTUs), clearing of legacy waste dumping sites, observing “Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” through mass social work, and organising a health camp for sanitation workers.

Chozuba: In Chozuba, the campaign was formally inaugurated by EAC Dr. Cthitu Nienu and attended by councillors of Chozuba Town Council and public leaders.

Educational institutes: Kohima College conducted a campus-wide cleanliness drive under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, organised jointly by the Higher Education and Tourism departments, with participation from students, faculty, and staff.

Modern College also observed the occasion by organising a mass social work under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in collaboration with the 78 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sechu Zubza, focusing on cleaning its premises with participation from students, faculty, and CRPF personnel.