A large pile of waste dumped along the roadside in Padumpukhuri village has spilled over onto the road. Without a designated dumping site, illegal waste disposal has increased, despite warnings issued by the village council. (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 7
Residents of Padumpukhuri village in Dimapur are dealing with a sanitation crisis as roadside garbage piles continue to grow, with no designated dumping zone in sight.
As on September 7, a large pile of waste has been left unattended along the roadside near the Government Primary School, causing inconvenience to residents and passersby. The mounting pile, extending for nearly 25-30 metres, consists of plastic bags, household waste, old clothes and wet waste.
Ironically, the garbage has been dumped right below a wall that carries a 'No Littering' notice by the Padumpukhuri Village Council (PPVC). Dumping of waste will attract a fine of Rs 5000 according to the PPVC notice, but according to residents, the pile has been growing over months. According to some residents, the spot has turned into an unofficial dumping ground, particularly under the cover of darkness. They mentioned that two-wheelers and cars are heard stopping by the place at night, to discreetly dispose of their waste before driving off.
With no clearance for weeks, the waste has now spilled over onto the road, where passing vehicles are driving over it, spreading the refuse even further onto the main road. The stretch has become both unhygienic and unsafe for pedestrians. The open dump in a residential area also poses a risk of disease, mosquito breeding and contamination of nearby water during rains.
Speaking to The Morung Express, the PPVC Chairman, Aheto V Yepthomi revealed that the crisis stems from a broader issue. Following the closure of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) dumping zone, the village has entirely run out of designated dumping areas. Earlier, in March, the DMC had notified that dumping of garbage at the DMC dumping site would be discontinued, owing to acute shortage of space and exhaustion of dumping capacity at the existing site. Among those restricted from dumping in the DMC site was the Padumpukhuri Village Council.
Following the announcement, the PPVC had reportedly issued notifications to residents regarding the suspension of sanitation services and collection of sanitation fee. With effect from May 1, 2026, all sanitation and waste collection services within the PPVC jurisdiction were temporarily suspended until further notification.
The PPVC also issued a public advisory asking all households, shops, and establishments to refrain from indiscriminate dumping of waste in public places, roadsides, nullahs, and open areas.
Residents had been asked to adopt temporary measures such as segregation, composting of biodegradable waste, and safe storage of non-biodegradable waste within their premises, and also maintain cleanliness and hygiene to prevent health hazards.
Acknowledging the growing menace, the PPVC chairman said that it is not an isolated incident and that the issue is being faced throughout the village, as garbage is being dumped in various places.
The council had earlier made arrangements to clear the waste, but without a dedicated dumping zone, the clearance could not be continued. In an effort to curb the roadside dumping, the council has erected warning signs stating that anyone caught disposing of garbage irresponsibly will be heavily fined. However, enforcement has proven nearly impossible. The chairman noted that tracking down individual defaulters has been futile, because it has been difficult to ascertain exactly when the garbage is being dumped.
To combat this, the council has appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report any incidents of littering or illegal dumping.
While maintaining that the council is trying its best to navigate the crisis, the chairman noted that lack of funds, manpower, and community reporting continue to hinder their efforts. He however expressed hope that the council would be able to address the bigger issue at the earliest. While procuring a dedicated dumping site on their own has proven immensely difficult due to a severe lack of funds, the PPVC has reportedly made arrangements with a neighbouring town council to help manage and dump the village's garbage once they are able to procure a new site.
As per latest reports, the Nagaland government is moving to acquire 50 acres at Xukiye village in Niuland district for a new Integrated Zonal Waste Processing Centre (IZWPC).The site is expected to become operational within eight months, as per the state government’s submission to the National Green Tribunal. Once established, the new centre will cater to the waste management needs of the DMC, East Dimapur Town Council, Chümoukedima Town Council and Niuland Town Council, as well as the surrounding rural settlements.
While alternate arrangements for waste disposal are awaited, residents face the mounting garbage crisis which, if left unchecked, could turn into a public health and environmental concern.
