Carts used for waste transport (left), unclogged drainage (right) in Supply Colony, Dimapur.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 12
The drainage maintenance system at Supply Colony in Dimapur has seen progress in the last few months contributing to the overall sanitation of the locality, all thanks to the efforts of the local volunteers.
Despite forwarding an appeal, through local dailies, regarding the lack of drainage and waste management system in the colony, no serious action was taken by the authorities in concern, lamented the Headman (GB) of Supply Colony, HY Swu.
The first appeal was made in February to the State authorities in concern, highlighting the necessity for proper drainage maintenance in the localities. However, it alleged that no initiative was taken in this regard.
When enquired about the current management of drainage system in the locality, the GB informed that volunteers from the locality have been regularly cleaning the clogged drains in the inner sections of the locality.
While lamenting the overall lack of proper waste management, the GB said that it has compelled the public of Supply Colony area as well as Landmark (Formerly PWD Colony) to volunteer in cleaning and maintaining the drainage system in the respective localities. As such, he pointed out the need for the government to pay greater attention towards the completion of work on drainage systems.
According to him, a project to improve the drainage system in the locality is still to see the light of day. “The PHE department had conducted a survey and submitted it to the government but any work done on the drainage system was left incomplete.”
For the residents, every rainy season brings in misery as the drainage systems would get clogged and flood the entire area. “Every time it rains the locals have to deal with floods. The water even manages to enter my office and sometimes the local area gets flooded to the extent of fish being brought in from other water bodies,” Swu said.
He further emphasised that although the public have played an important role in the improvement of local drainage system, it is the government’s duty to ensure its maintenance.
As for the waste/garbage disposal, a fine of Rs. 500 is imposed by the colony authority on those who dispose garbage in the drainage. Meanwhile, the waste is collected three times a week using carts.
Swu further informed that the colony’s Swachh Bharat Mission youth volunteers participate regularly in operating the carts to collect household waste for disposal at the locality’s main collection site. He maintained that significant improvements have been made in the waste management of the locality, but the drainage system remains neglected by the authorities.
The writer is currently an intern at The Morung Express
