Mokokchung citizens devise strategy for clean district

[caption id="attachment_220920" align="alignnone" width="550"] Thangi Mannen, retired commissioner and secretary, speaking at the interactive seminar on clean Mokokchung campaign at Longkumer Kilem on November 29. (EM Images)[/caption] Mokokchung, Nov. 30 (EMN): An interactive seminar on clean Mokokchung campaign on the theme “One Nagaland appeal, against plastic pollution” was held at Longkumer Kilem on November 29. The interaction was focused on presenting an overview of waste management and plastic pollution control particularly with reference to Mokokchung, said an update from the organisers. Thangi Mannen, retired commissioner and secretary and member of campaign against plastic pollution as well as member of foundation for social transformation, was the resource person. Speaking on the occasion, Thangi lashed out at the indifferent attitude of the present generation particularly in disposing plastic wastes which is posing grave danger to environment and life. She said it is easier to control plastic pollution than to think about doing it tomorrow or to take action now than to keep polluting it. Pointing out at the potential of youth to bring about changes, she called upon the citizens not to depend on government but to make the first move and make government act by looking at their example. Mannen also felt that the churches- having the greatest audience - can play a major role in imposing ban of plastic within the church premises while hosting events. Mannen advised the public to segregate waste into bio-degradable and non-degradable starting from each home. Urging the people to lead the way in cleaning, she suggested that Mokokchung should first begin with cleaning the Milak River and work towards identifying few places in Mokokchung as plastic free zones. In regard to cleaning the Milak River, Mannen suggested that ward leaders should make people stop throwing rubbish into the river. She further urged the citizens and the ward leaders to take steps and influence the government to work for the cause. Mokokchung’s Swaach Bharat ambassador M Bendang Longkumer, while exhorting the gathering, expressed his concern on polythene nuisance and need to campaign against the use of polythene. Saying that using of polythene is absolutely a health hazard and a nuisance for the civic bodies, Longkumer urged upon all to take part in eradicating the menace. With the availability of raw materials, he said, if we can locally create things it will not only give healthy utility but also create employment opportunities for the younger generation and the upcoming entrepreneurs. Longkumer also encouraged using bio-degradable plates and saucers made banana, wheat straw and forest resources available. He also urged upon the public to stop using polythene, thermocol or plastic and go back using jute, fabric bags, brown paper bags or Tunga. He added that Mokokchung should initiate measures to declare as the first plastic-free district or a plastic-free city. Longkumer also expressed concern over littering the public ground with plastic cups and bags. He also suggested that any individual or group misusing the public property should be fined or penalised. He asserted that without stringent action against the defaulters, the mission will not be possible. Also speaking on the occasion, Mokokchung’s deputy commissioner, Sachin Jaiswal, suggested on the need for behavioural change. He informed that the district administration is working towards control of using plastic water bottles in office and in meetings. He also stressed on encouraging use of water dispensers in government offices and introducing paper bags as an alternative for plastic carry bags. During the interactive sessions, additional deputy commissioner; representatives from the CTC Aolijen, NGOs from Mokokchung and Dimapur shared their experiences and opinions. The seminar was attended by all the prominent citizens, all ward chairpersons, students and youth groups and representatives from various NGOs and ministries.