DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 10 (MExN): Authorities across Nagaland have issued notices as part of the 'Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali' campaign by MoHUA, to promote awareness of an eco-friendly Diwali this year.
A press release from the PIB said that beyond individual households, the “spirit of cleanliness during Diwali extends to the entire community, with collective efforts ensuring cleanliness in markets, and neighborhoods, fostering a festive ambiance.”
In alignment with this, the Tuensang Town Council in Nagaland has launched a novel initiative, directing all market shopkeepers to place a green plant near their entrances, symbolizing a commitment to a clean and green Diwali.
The PIB further stated that to curb single-use plastic usage, Nagaland's markets are “championing the 'Bring Your Own Bag' concept.” Leading this charge, Mangkolemba Town Council has mandated that shops refrain from offering any form of carry bags, including paper bags. Instead, the public is actively encouraged and directed to bring their own bags when shopping. This move aims to reduce plastic waste and instil a culture of environmental responsibility, emphasizing the importance of personal contributions to sustainable practices in daily life.
Meanwhile, the Medziphema Town Council has introduced the ‘RRR – With Incentive’ program. This initiative encourages the public to use the RRR facility, promoting waste segregation and the concept of turning waste into wealth. To generate maximum participation, the town is issuing coupons for those bringing their waste to designated centers, offering rewards such as saplings, ice cream, chocolates, and other items from various stores within Medziphema Town, thereby reinforcing positive environmental practices.
The Dimapur Municipal Council and Chumukedima Town Councils in Nagaland have collaborated with Reliance Trends to reward the top-performing SafaiMitras in the region with gift coupons.
The Dimapur Deputy Commissioner has directed that no fireworks shall be burst in silence zones, that is, an area at least 100 meters away from hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health care centres, educational institutions, courts and religious places.
The order further directed that only crackers with reduced emission (improved crackers) and green crackers will be permitted to be sold through licensed traders and used. The manufacture, sale and use of fire-crackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB (AI) or 145 dB (C) pk at 4 meters distance from the point of bursting shall be prohibited. The manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) is also banned as the same cause huge air noise and solid waste problems. Fireworks containing barium salts are also banned.
On festival days like Diwali, Gurupurab etc when fireworks generally are used, the same will be allowed strictly till 10:00 P.M only and not beyond. On Christmas eve and New year's eve, when such fireworks start around midnight i.e 12:00 am, it would be permitted from 11:55 pm till 12:30 am only.
The DC informed that as per the Supreme Court directives, though there is no total ban on use of firecrackers, the public however are advised to refrain from and minimise the usage of the same.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, has issued a notice banning the sale and use of firecrackers within the jurisdiction of the Tuensang Town Council.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pfutsero has also issued a directive emphasizing the need to make Diwali celebrations in Pfutsero clean, green, free from single-use plastics, and devoid of pollution. Additionally, the directive highlighted the importance of prioritizing both pre and post-Diwali cleanliness in line with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat campaign.
In Longleng, the Additional Deputy Commissioner encouraged citizens of Longleng Town to celebrate Diwaliin harmony with the principles of Swachh Bharat by fostering clean and eco-friendly practices. He urged the people to emphasize the importance of categorizing waste at its origin to facilitate proper disposal and recycling; encourage practices that turn waste into valuable resources, aligning with sustainable waste management; and pledge to minimize the use of single-use plastics. Additionally, citizens have been reminded of the standing ban on firecrackers within the jurisdiction of the Urban Local Body (ULB).
