Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 14
In an effort to rouse the citizens of the state capital to develop civic sense and start cleaning up their surrounding, the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) in collaboration with the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) launched a clean-Kohima project under the banner ‘Shining Kohima- Never Clean, Ever Clean’ this morning.
The project was officially launched by minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Dr. Neikesalie Nicky Kire. To mark the launch, ASU and KMC declared November 14 a sanitation day which involved a cleanliness drive across Kohima town, extending to the nearby villages.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed on the need for people to get involved in community service. He explained that community service does not necessarily entail heavy physical work but the personal responsibility of knowing where to throw wastes. In this regard, he confessed that until 10 months back, he had been throwing litter randomly out of his car while travelling. Now, he keeps small waste baskets in his cars, he said, and encouraged all vehicle owners to do the same. He also shared his concern on pollution that is created from the increasing number of vehicles in the state. Remarking that it has become a “status issue” for everyone to own a car particularly in Kohima, he expressed the need to encourage carpooling and also for the people to develop driving etiquettes.
KMC administrator Kovi Meyase termed the ASU initiative a courageous which he hopes will create a permanent and lasting impact on the future scenario of Kohima town’s ambience, beauty and health. “Sanitation cannot be left to the government or its institutions alone if the endeavour is to achieve a truly clean and hygienic environment for ourselves,” he said.
The municipal official also made an ardent plea to all the citizens to join hands in the noble initiative to transform the town and further expressed hope that it will slowly but surely bear fruitful results.
Naga Mothers’ Association president, Abei-u Meru and Project 72 Hrs core team also delivered brief speeches on the occasion.
