New 4-way waste segregation: A tougher challenge for Nagaland

‘Awareness is not enough’: NPCB scientist on why SWM 2026 may fall short without accountability

Lenni Samuel 
Dimapur | May 23

The newly introduced Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 mandating four-way segregation of solid waste will be even harder to implement in Nagaland than the earlier 2016 three-bin system, an official of the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) has said, citing poor household participation, weak enforcement and difficult terrain as key hurdles.

The SWM Rules, 2026 notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) mandate four-stream source segregation, restricts the disposal of organic waste in landfills, and enforcement of a nationwide digital tracking system. The rules also introduces a state-level monitoring committee chaired by the Chief Secretary to ensure compliance and implementation progress.

Yanathung Kithan, Scientist ‘B’ at the NPCB, said the state had already faced several difficulties in implementing the SWM Rules, 2016 that proposed a three-way segregation and storage system. The SWM Rules, 2026 mandate, which requires waste to be divided into four categories - Wet, Dry, Sanitary and Special Care, would make compliance significantly more challenging across the state, he remarked.

At the core of the problem, the Scientist said, is the lack of participation at the household level. Waste segregation in most homes remains “extremely low in reality,” he said, adding that public participation is a crucial factor in ensuring any form of effective waste management system.

“Even if proper facilities and infrastructure are made available, the process remains ineffective when awareness and participation at the grassroots level are weak,” he said. Without active involvement from the public, the overall efficiency of waste management continues to suffer.

Awareness alone is not enough
On the question of awareness, Kithan said the problem is not the absence of outreach. Many awareness programmes and campaigns have already been conducted across Nagaland over the years, he noted. However, he emphasised that awareness alone cannot bring major change unless it is supported by “stricter implementation of rules, penalties and regulations.”

He maintained that progress can only happen when awareness is accompanied by accountability and enforcement.

Kithan also highlighted the growing role of social media, encouraging online platforms and influential personalities to use their reach to spread awareness about responsible waste disposal practices.

Can enforcement work in Nagaland?
Acknowledging that enforcement would be a difficult task given the diversity of societies and communities across the State, he suggested the creation of a “model society” or community could help encourage gradual compliance in other areas. Even with the difficulties involved, he maintained, “a strong shift in the State’s waste management system is urgently needed.”

He also stressed the importance of balancing public participation with administrative accountability, saying people should be made aware of how different authorities function and who is responsible for what issues and grievances. Such awareness can help create a more informed society capable of demanding accountability where necessary.

Role of Bulk Waste Generators
On the role of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs), Kithan described the provision as a positive step, noting that large institutions produce the maximum fraction of daily waste. He said the introduction of annual reporting systems would help recognise the efforts of BWGs while keeping the government and concerned authorities accountable. 

He added that when bulk waste is handed over in a segregated manner, it automatically improves the efficiency of the entire waste management process. At the same time, he stressed the need for a strong regulatory mechanism to ensure that BWGs properly segregate and process their waste.

Solutions made local 
Turning to local solutions, Kithan said the maintenance of secondary storage facilities under the 2026 rules could become difficult because of Nagaland’s geographical terrain. Despite this, he believed stronger local movements and community-level initiatives could still bring meaningful improvements.

He proposed building networks to redirect food waste to pig farms across the state, allowing waste to be utilised more productively. He also called for greater government involvement in supporting local “kabadis” (scrap dealers) by creating proper spaces and authorised sectors where recycling activities can be carried out more effectively.

Kithan further underlined the need to sensitise government officials, saying their attitudes and actions can strongly influence public opinion and behaviour. He advocated practical forms of awareness for students and the general public, including visits to dumping sites, saying it is important for people to see firsthand how waste is processed and managed locally, despite the sanitary concerns such visits may involve.

He also encouraged younger generations to take up scrap collection and recycling, saying such habits can gradually build a more sustainable culture within society.

Concluding his remarks, Kithan emphasised that effective waste management cannot be achieved through government efforts alone. While authorities remain responsible for regulation and operations, lasting improvement will only come through ”sincere determination” and collective participation from all sections of society. “Sometimes we blame the system so much; we forget to be part of the solution,” he said.

The writer is currently a postgraduate student in Political Science at Madras Christian College, Chennai. Her academic coursework includes Public Opinion, Media Strategies and Political Journalism. This report is part of her one-month internship at The Morung Express.