T he Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) is emerging as a reference point for urban local bodies in Nagaland, with five town councils having visited the municipality to study its governance and waste management practices.
The latest exposure-cum-study tour saw councillors from Chozuba Town Council, Phek Town Council and Pfutsero Town Council visit Mokokchung on Friday to gain first-hand experience of the council’s municipal administration, solid waste management and civic infrastructure.
According to MMC Chairperson Imkongchuba, the latest visit follows similar study tours by Zunheboto and Wokha town councils, reflecting a growing interest in Mokokchung’s approach to municipal governance.
“They are perhaps taking an interest because of our transparency, accountability, solid waste management and Material Recovery Facility (MRF),” he told MT.
He said Mokokchung currently operates the state’s only functional Material Recovery Facility, where segregated recyclable waste is processed before being transported to Assam for recycling.
Apart from the MRF, visiting delegations also studied the Green Heap project run by Sungtiyala at the old dumping site, where biodegradable market waste is converted into organic manure.
The teams also toured the modern abattoir, faecal sludge treatment plant, sanitation vehicle depot, dumpsite and other municipal facilities.
Asked about the feedback from visiting councils, Imkongchuba said the response had been encouraging.
“They tell us they are satisfied,” he said.
Despite having a limited revenue base in Mokokchung, the chairperson said the council has continued to meet staff salary obligations while maintaining waste management services. He added that parking fees introduced in July generated enough revenue within four months to install around 250 streetlights across the municipality.
Reflecting on Mokokchung’s growing reputation, Imkongchuba described it as both an honour and a responsibility.
“If people are looking at us as a role model, I feel it has become a larger responsibility. We have to improve ourselves. It feels like a privilege and we are honoured,” he said.
He attributed the council’s progress to cooperation among elected councillors, ward authorities and residents.
“All councillors in Mokokchung are united but I think the biggest reason for the success is public cooperation, starting from the ward councils,” he said, adding that while the council has laid a strong foundation, it remains mindful of the expectations placed upon it.
“At the same time, we are a bit worried too because we would not want to crash expectations,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the visiting councillors participated in an interactive session with the MMC, where they exchanged views on urban local governance, sanitation and solid waste management before touring key municipal facilities.