City landmarks symbolise heart and soul of residents – Longkumer

Advisor of Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer inaugurated the ‘Vertical Garden’ located between Old Dhansiri Bridge and Urban Haat in the commercial hub Dimapur

DIMAPUR — Advisor of Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, said a city’s landmarks are more than mere physical structures, as they embody the very essence and character of the residents of the city.

The Advisor who on Monday inaugurated the ‘Vertical Garden’ located between Old Dhansiri Bridge and Urban Haat in the commercial hub Dimapur, in his address said the garden symbolises the heart and soul of the community, standing as a testament to the collective identity and shared experiences of the residents who proudly call Dimapur their home.

Longkumer said the “iconic landmark” will also serve as an inspiration and a source of immense pride for the citizens, while also offering a warm and inviting ambiance to visitors.

The ‘Vertical Garden’ was constructed by Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) and Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), and works executed by Team Better Dimapur.

He also said garden is poised to become a defining symbol of the city, instantly recognisable and revered by all and that it will not only elevate the aesthetic beauty of Dimapur, but also make substantial contributions to the economic growth and overall development of the area.

He further reminded that the garden is a testament of what citizens can accomplish when they come together, set aside their differences and work for a common goal.

Administrator, DMC, W Manpai Phom congratulated Team Better Dimapur for successful completion of the project in the interest of town development.

Phom highlighted that both Kohima and Dimapur cities have been categorised as non-attainment cities with respect to ‘particulate matter (PM10) air pollution.’ He informed that address this environmental concern and improve air quality, various initiatives have been sanctioned under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The DMC administrator also appealed to the citizens of Dimapur to take collective responsibility to keep the area clean and well-maintained to ensure that the facility serves its intended purpose.

Highlighting the efforts of the municipal council to address the waste management challenges, Phom informed that a pilot project has been initiated in two wards of Dimapur, focusing on improving the waste collection system.

He also informed that DMC officials and the waste management team have already conducted initial interactions at the ward level and the same will be conducted in all 23 wards under DMC, to develop a comprehensive plan that will effectively resolve issues on waste management.

President of Team Better Dimapur, Mhonjan Humtsoe, in his keynote address shared that the project was initiated in November 2022 and successfully completed on April 23, 2023, at an approximate cost of INR 6.25 lakh.

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While NPCB and DMC funded INR 2.98 lakh, the remaining amount came through the generous contributions of Advisor Moatoshi Longkumer, Inner Wheel, NGOs and well-wishers, he informed.

Humtsoe shared that the main motive behind construction of the Vertical Garden is to create a green zone and pollution-free area through planting trees and flowers, and also provide a serene and peaceful recreation spot.