‘Our city is our responsibility’
Before and after image of road side plantations in Kohima.
Kohima Smart City and Kohima Municipal Council appeal to protect public property
Kohima, March 11 (MExN): The Kohima Smart City and the Kohima Municipal Council in collaboration with various organizations and volunteer groups are making an effort to enhance the aesthetics of the town by planting plants and flowers in public areas and along the main roads.
Kovi Meyase, CEO, Kohima Smart City Development Limited & Administrator, Kohima Municipal Council in a press release said that since 2019, various organistations have come forward to adopt and maintain specific areas and stretches including traffic points. As one moves around town, one can see some of the flowers in full bloom and green plants pushing new shoots signaling the onset of spring.
While it is encouraging to get positive feedback from citizens on these small efforts and initiatives, it is also disheartening that some individuals have gone out of the way to vandalize and also to the extent of taking away the plants.
Meyase pointed out that last December the pavement potted plants were kicked onto the highway resulting in destruction of the pots as well as the plants along the SKV Petrol Pump stretch. More than 20 pots of Poinsettias in full bloom were also vandalized below the box cutting stretch.
The latest incident occurred on March 10, probably during the late hours where all the plants were taken away along the PWD Jn to SKV Petrol Pump Area. “There have been instances over the past three months where few plants were taken away and were replaced; however, this time round, all the plants except for two have been taken away.
The pots are now standing empty except for waste that is being collected as passersby spit onto the pots and throw their waste mistaking the pots to be dustbins,’ Meyase lamented.
He added that the plants are planted and maintained by groups who work purely on voluntary basis, which involves watering every alternate day at their own expense. “These initiatives are purely for the citizens towards a cleaner, greener and more livable city.”
“Therefore, this is an appeal to all citizens, not to destroy or take away the plants. Rather, any individual, group or organizations are welcome to adopt areas for beautification. Our city is our responsibility. Let’s join hands to make our city clean, green and beautiful,” he added.
