When Dimapur was named the eighth dirtiest city (population under 10 lakh) in the country and Kohima was ranked 57 in the fifth edition of the nationwide annual cleanliness survey 2020, social media platforms were bombarded with negative feedback. Many took a dig at the state government, the municipal councils and the concerned department, except themselves, for the mess. The outpouring frustration was understandable. Any positive outcome from it or have the people forgotten it completely? A few years have passed since but we don’t see any significant change in terms of cleanliness, especially in Dimapur. Waste management problem still exists, littering hasn’t stopped and people continue to use plastic items despite being banned by the state government. The state’s commercial hub is still grappling to get rid of its infamous “dirtiest city” tag, and at the current pace, that’s not going to happen any time soon. The city’s deteriorating air quality, as highlighted by an official from the Nagaland Pollution Control Board earlier this week, from average Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) concentration of 79 in 2019 to 97 in 2022 speaks volumes about sanitation in Dimapur. This is not surprising as drains and uncleared garbage emit foul smells. On the other hand, air quality in Kohima is said to have improved over the years- from RSPM concentration of 91 in 2019 to 72 in 2022. Various initiatives being initiated as part of smart city mission as well as sensitisation programmes seem to have contributed to this positive trend. Collective effort from authorities and citizens pays.
Northeastern states, including Nagaland, that were once known for its pristine nature due to its topography and vast green cover are today facing a mounting environmental issue. The region is faced with solid waste management challenges amid developmental activities, growth in tourism sector and rapid urbanisation. To improve quality of life, the authorities in the region should promote sanitation and ensure that enough scientific waste treatment plants are in place. Open dumping sites without proper waste treatment facilities not only affect the environment but affects health. We should also promote hygiene among the community and it should start early, starting from homes and schools. Community hygiene and sanitation practices keep everyone healthy, especially the sick, children and elderly by preventing infectious and communicable diseases from spreading. Villages and remote areas should not be left out in this. In fact, sanitation campaign should start from rural areas where basic amenities and healthcare facilities are scarce. It will save lives.
