Need to focus on solid waste management, says Chief Secretary

Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy  during his visit to the newly installed Hydraulic Baling Press Machine and Material Recovery Facility Unit under Chümoukedima Town Council on March 7. (DIPR Photo)

Dimapur, March 7 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy on Saturday paid a visit to the newly installed Hydraulic Baling Press Machine and Material Recovery Facility Unit under Chümoukedima Town Council and emphasized on the need to focus on solid waste management.

According to the DIPR, the Chief Secretary is said to have expressed shock at the ‘lack of basic civic sense especially in the remote areas.’ He noted that solid waste management and treatment of sewage has become a big issue and observed that it is not just the job of the government but also an urgent need for the people to learn about civic sense. "Time has come to be more responsible and for which Urban and Municipal department would be initiating a number of actions to be taken up," the DIPR quoted him as saying. 

Lauding the Chümoukedima Town Council for their efforts, Toy mulled over the establishment of similar facilities in all the district head quarters. The Chief Secretary also appreciated the role of safai karamcharis and assured that their working conditions and welfare in the form of insurance, health and housing would be addressed, the DIPR report stated.

Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Himato Zhimomi who was also present emphasised on the urgent need for recycling of bio medical waste to become a top priority.

According to the DIPR, Himato informed that the department had submitted a concept paper for making Chümoukedima a model waste recycling centre in Nagaland. This, Himato said would make Chümoukedima a model town for all the other towns to emulate.

“No matter what we do, unless civic sense comes in and people participate in this venture, we will not achieve green and clean Nagaland," Himato is quoted to have said.

The installation of the baling press machine was been initiated  by Swachhata Hi Seva Committee with Jt. Secretary, Urban Development, Elizabeth Ngully as Convenor, Under Secretary, Urban Development and Municipal, Rongsenmenla as Member Secretary and other officers from allied departments as committee members. Altogether 11 baling machines for all the districts have been bought and ULBs has been given assistance for construction of Material Recovery Facility, the report stated.

The initiative is being taken by the state in compliance to Free Plastic Movement and National Green Tribunal.

Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Anoop Kinchi, EAC Chumukedima, officials from Urban Development department, GBs and Chümoukedima Town Council members accompanied the Chief Secretary during his visit.