EAC and Administrator Chümoukedima Town Council, Thejavizo Nakhro, along with CTC staff and workers.
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Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 22
Once a sleepy little town on the Dimapur-Imphal National Highway some 14 kms from Dimapur, Chümoukedima has emerged as one of the fastest growing model towns in Nagaland.
Two days ago, the town woke up to find itself in the Swachh Survekshan 2020 ranking and awards as the ‘Best Self Sustainable City’ in North East India, even as it big brother Dimapur city received an unenviable tag.
“I am humbled and delighted to learn about the award as it is truly a recognition of the collective efforts of all stakeholders. It is indeed a proud moment for all of us at Chümoukedima Town,” said Extra Assistant Commissioner, Chümoukedima, Thejavizo Nakhro, when contacted by The Morung Express.
Nakhro who is also the Administrator of Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) said the criteria/parameters used in assessing “Self Sustainable City” are garbage free city (GFC) status, open defecation free (ODF), collection and transportation of waste, processing and disposal of waste, and sustainable sanitation.
Queried on some factors and reasons why the town deserved the award, the EAC-cum-CTC administrator said, CTC along with its residents have planned and put in place a robust solid waste management system which has rid the town its garbage, delivering improved sanitation services to its citizens while making the whole operation more economically and environmentally sustainable and thereby rendering the town not only cleaner but more livable.
He also informed that Chümoukedima Town is also a certified Open Defecation Free (ODF) Urban Local Bodies since 2019.
“This success is a testament of positive synergy between authorities and citizens planning and working together to improve our quality of life,” Nakhro said.
He agreed that Chümoukedima has emerged as one of the fastest growing towns in the state and said many people are choosing to make Chümoukedima Town as their new home either due to employment opportunities, circumstances or for the tranquil environment and other conveniences that the town offers.
“Chümoukedima Town today is witnessing an unprecedented growth. The growth is further fuelled by its strategic location and availability of land for expansion - Highways (NH29, 129A, Dimapur Bye Pass & the proposed foot hill road) passing through the town, proximity to the lone airport of the state, proximity to Dimapur city and the new train station at Shokhuvi,” the EAC said.
Nakhro also said Chümoukedima Town and its suburbs are fast becoming a preferred investment destination in the state for small Industries, business and institutions.
On areas of improvement, the CTC Administrator stressed on investment in basic urban public infrastructures and their regular maintenance especially roads, sewerage/drainages, reliable power supply, safe drinking water supply, both solid and liquid waste management plant, municipal machineries, etc.
He said these are required to deal with the unprecedented growth of the town and to harness its potential.
He also underlined on the need to invest in B2B infrastructure as well as aesthetic and recreational facilities, creation of business friendly environment and related ecosystems to harness the growth potential, create employment opportunities and improve the economy of the ULB and the state as a whole.
On whether the town can retain its position as best self sustainable city in the coming years, Nakhro said he was positive and upbeat. “We have a vibrant citizenry and I am confident that our residents shall collectively work together to improve upon this year's result. I am grateful to my team and all leaders and residents of Chümoukedima Town for rendering their support and cooperation towards this nobel cause. I look forward to witnessing Chümoukedima town progress and achieve higher ranking in the years to come,” he said.
Chümoukedima also called Nechu Guard and Samaguting during World War II, had served as the first headquarters of the then Naga Hills District of Assam during the time of British rule in early 19th century.
The town's population has reportedly grown by nearly five times in the last two decades and is presently estimated to be 35,000-40,000.
