Kohima Municipal Council to fight plastic menace on a war footing

Dimapur, Sep. 20 (EMN): Plastics are useful but it’s been overused and recycling isn’t harmless too, so the practicable solution to its menace is by reducing its use, said Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), secretary Z Kiso. He was speaking at the launch of awareness programme on plastic-free environment and banning of single-use plastic items held at SDO (C) office, Jakhama on September 20, informed an update from DIPR. While sharing the problems faced by the KMC in waste management, Kiso said proper management of dry and wet waste is as important as fighting plastic waste, and that citizens should know that. Around two lakh dustbins have been distributed since 2006 under various schemes, he informed. While stating that KMC is the first in NE and the country to decentralise the entire 19 wards, he said green and blue dustbins are being used to segregate waste at present. While waste collectors are known as ‘environment scientists’ in South Africa due to the important role they play, Kiso said KMC has decided to refer to about 100 waste collectors in the city as ‘pick angels.’ ‘Massive campaign drive on waste segregation in all wards were done by Green Team, Project 72 etc., and river rejuvenation in village and urban areas are undertaken by KMC. Very soon road sweeper will also be used,’ he added. With Kohima being chosen a ‘Smart City’, Kiso said the first requirement is smart citizens, after which smart waste and smart infrastructure will follow. Alemyapang Longchar, SDO (C) Jakhama, informed that it will fight plastic menace in several phases, including mass social work on October 2 in Jakhama sub-division to collect plastic wastes; verification drive on October 4 where plastic items will be confiscated; and repeated offence to attract a penalty. The government is there to assist and facilitate plastic-free campaign but its success largely depends on the public, Longchar said. Stating that the church has an important role to play in changing the habits of the people, he requested all the village councils, churches and educational institutions to actively take part in the campaign. Vice president of Southern Angami Youth Organisation (Sayo), Khriese Sale spoke on the reason for declaring Dzükou Valley a plastic-free zone on June 5 this year and its success story. BDO Jakhama, Khovi Thaprü shared on how to stop using single-use plastic in offices, while Dr. Temsu, CHC Viswema, highlighted various harmful chemicals used in plastics and health hazards it can have on human beings. The programme was attended by village representatives, and heads of educational institutes and organisations.