DC Dimapur launches ‘Safai Apnao, Bimari Bhagao’ campaign

DIMAPUR — The deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, on Friday launched the ‘Safai Apnao, Bimari Bhagao’ (SABB) campaign at Lotha Hoho Ki, near DC Court junction. The event was organised by Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Chang mentioned that the first phase of Swachh Bharat Mission has been completed and the second phase is currently underway. Stating that there is still lot of work to be done, he encouraged everyone to continue their efforts with the same dedication as before.

He mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi’s objective of a clean India inspired the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission by the Government of India. He also acknowledged the efforts put in by DMC in cleaning major drainages and noted that despite heavy rainfall this year, Dimapur has not experienced flood-like situations till date.

He added that water logging has significantly reduced and there were no instances of colony flooding this year.

Describing Dimapur as ‘mini Nagaland,’ he expressed optimism that with the election of councilors after 20 years, each ward would maintain cleanliness and make Dimapur a cleaner city. He was of the opinion that if everyone keeps their own surroundings clean, the whole of Dimapur will eventually be clean.

While highlighting about the SABB campaign, the administrator of DMC, W Manpai Phom, stated that it is part of Swachh Bharat Mission programmee. He mentioned that Dimapur experienced massive flooding and water logging in most of the municipal areas during monsoon last year and caused numerous problems to the citizens with regard to health issues, particularly waterborne diseases.

He added that this year, the DMC made significant efforts to clean up the city by identifying and clearing major drainages. He mentioned that during the cleanup process, they discovered that the drainages were not only clogged with garbage but accumulated wastes over the years led to vegetation growth and turning into a sand-like substance. He stated that cleaning those drainages proved to be a very challenging task.

Informing that SABB is a two-month programme involving various activities, he announced that a mass cleanliness drive would be conducted tomorrow.

In his short speech, the DMC chairman, Hukheto Yepthomi, suggested conducting workshops and seminars with the councilors in future to enable them reach out to their respective wards and spread awareness at the grassroots.

Stating that urban local body elections were held after 20 years, he pointed out that there are a lot of works to be done. He, however, stated that they are committed to making Dimapur a better city and encouraged the gathering to support their efforts and work together.

At the launch event, awareness on water and vector Borne diseases were highlighted by district vector borne officer, Dr. Kavito Zhimomi, and awareness on water logging and proper drainage system was shared by sanitation inspector of DMC, Temsuwapang Longchar.

The ‘Safai Apnao Bimari Bhagao’ campaign was also launched in Mangkolemba under Mokokchung district and Tening town under Peren district.

The campaign aims to achieve garbage-free status in all cities by 2026.