Achumbemo Kikon and others during State Level launching programme of Swachh Utsav in Kohima on September 17. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 17
MLA Achumbemo Kikon, Chairperson, NLA Committee on Environment & Climate Change today called upon the citizens to take cleanliness as a collective responsibility for public health, safety and well-being.
“Cleanness is everyone’s business. It is not government business alone. It is not municipal business alone,” Kikon said during the State Level Launching programme of Swachh Utsav (Swachhata Hi Seva 2025) at Old NST, Kohima on September 17.
Swachhata Hi Seva is a nationwide cleanliness campaign under the Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at promoting public participation in maintaining hygiene and environmental sustainability.
Calling for proper waste segregation, Kikon reminded the citizens that scientist has already made a research that to segregate plastic bottles and polythene bags, it takes not less than 500 years. He said that improper waste segregation caused a lot of negative impact, endangering building, sinking and land degradation.
Also lauding the district administration for putting their best effort to keep the town clean, he said that the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has been empowered within the guidelines of the Nagaland Municipal Act to enforce any punishment and fees.
In this, he urged upon the citizens and traders in Kohima city to cooperate with the district administration and KMC to keep the town clean.
“We have to convert our waste into wealth,” he said and assured that the government will make effort to make it happen by putting a proper system in place.
Later, Kikon administered Swachhata pledge and the gathering vowed to remain committed towards cleanliness and devote time for it.
ULBs, village blocks urged to participate
SBM-Urban 2.0, Kezhochole Rhetso, Mission Director, SBM-Urban 2.0, Urban Development department highlighted the background Swachh Utsav.
“We are on the eight years of continues campaign of this Swachhata Hi Seva,” she adding that this year (2025) mark another milestone in its journey towards the vision of “Garbage free India.”
This initiative is not just about waste collection. It is about reducing waste at source, promoting re-use, recycle and embracing the principle of a ‘circular economy,’ she said.
Over the years, she said, Swachh Bharat Mission has changed the face of our towns and cities.
“We have witnessed remarkable progress in solid waste management, scientific processing in segregation, segregation at source, citizen participation. Yet, our task is far from over,” Rhetso said and stressed on the need to move towards sustainable system from individual act of cleanliness to a culture of cleanliness.
Stating that cleanliness is not the responsibility of the government alone, she said “It is the shared duty of all of us- as a citizen, as families, as communities. When we keep our surroundings clean, we promote better health, dignity and quality of live for everyone.”
Swachh Utsav will continue till October 2.
“As we carry forward the torch of Swachhata Hi Seva 2025, let us commit ourselves to a future where every street shines, every corner breathes cleanliness and every citizens feels proud to say; Swachh Bharat is our collective achievement,” Rhetso said. Further, she called upon all the 39 ULBs in Nagaland and village blocks alike to actively participate in Swachhata Hi Seva.
School Education & SCERT Advisor, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Geology & Mining and DUDA Advisor, W Chingang Konyak, Superintendent of Police (Kohima) Krodi Rhetso and several other dignitaries also present at the launching programme.
