MMC’s commitment to cleanliness recognized as Best Performing ULB in Nagaland

Mokokchung Municipal Council concludes ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign

The Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) held the culmination program of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (SHS) campaign, which ran from September 17 to October 2. The event was chaired by Kilepchiba, Sanitation Inspector and Nodal Officer, SBM, MMC. The invocation prayer was given by Lolentsoba, Superintendent of MMC.

Chumlamo Humtsoe, ADC & CEO of MMC and captain of SHS 2024, presented the “SHS 2024 Journey Report” through a slideshow showcasing the various activities undertaken during the campaign. He highlighted that 26 garbage disposal spots were identified, cleaned, and beautified. Cleanliness drives were conducted in educational institutions, and discussions were held with street vendors on the importance of maintaining hygiene in their workplaces and providing clean food to customers. Public restrooms in the Imkongmeren Sports Complex were also cleaned, and a “Waste to Art” competition was organized to promote recycling. Humtsoe expressed the MMC’s commitment to maintaining the town’s cleanliness beyond the campaign, with plans to continue the work for many years to come.

The convenor of the “Waste to Art” competition, Allen Mark Longkumer announced the results of the  competition explaining the importance of reusing waste. The criteria for judging included the use of waste materials, the variety and amount of waste used, originality, composition, and overall appearance. An example was given of the transformer in Tongdentsuyong ward, which has become a recognizable piece of recycled art, known not only in Mokokchung but also in other districts. Due to the efforts of the participants, in addition to the top three positions, the MMC decided to award three consolation prizes. The winners were: Lijaba Lijen (first prize), Aongza (second prize), and Sangtemla (third prize).

The two-week-long campaign witnessed various activities in and around Mokokchung across all wards, initiated by the Mokokchung Municipal Council and the Swachhta Hi Seva 2024 ambassador and social media influencer, Aien Amri. From September 14 to 17, 2024, pre-rollout activities were held, and on September 17, 2024, the campaign was officially launched.

Activities during the Swachhta Hi Seva 2024 included:

· RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) projects with engineers and the PWD department

· A door-to-door campaign distributing IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials on waste management

· A cleanliness drive and interaction with school and college students

· Public awareness campaigns on making Mokokchung plastic-free

· Street plays to create awareness, performed by the scouts and guides of different schools

· Visits and interactions with street food vendors to ensure proper hygiene, cleanliness, and waste management

· Seminars and workshops on waste management and home composting of wet kitchen waste

· A tree plantation drive

· Cleanliness and beautification of target units in the different wards of Mokokchung Town

· Painting walls under the banner of Swachhta Hi Seva

· Cleaning community and public toilets by MMC staff

· Road repairs and a free medical camp for MMC sanitation workers in collaboration with the Chief Medical Office, along with a waste-to-art competition.

Aien Amri, Brand Ambassador of SHS, announced the result of the Best Performing Ward. congratulated the Mokokchung Municipal Council for being adjudged the Best Performing ULB (Urban Local Body) in Nagaland. Amri noted that Swachhta Hi Seva is a regular activity in Mokokchung, emphasizing the town’s reputation for cleanliness and other environmental activities carried out throughout the year. She urged everyone to work towards a cleaner Mokokchung, not just during the Swachhta Hi Seva week but as a regular duty as responsible citizens of the planet.

While all the wards put in significant effort, Aongza ward was declared the winner. The prize included a cash award of Rs 10000 and a certificate, which was received by the Aongza ward chairman.

In the ‘Waste to Art’ competition, Lijaba Lijen Ward was adjudged the winner while Aongza Ward and Sangtemla Ward won the second and third positions respectively.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Lanuakum, Deputy Chairperson of MMC, who congratulated all the winners and expressed his satisfaction with the success of the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign.

Meanwhile, the state-level Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 culmination program was held at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima. During the event, the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) was recognized with the award for Best Performing ULB (Urban Local Body) under the SHS 2024 Awards. Dimapur Municipal Council was declared the winner in the ‘Best Waste to Art’ category, Kohima Municipal Council won the ‘Best Transformed/Beautification CTU’ category, and Medziphema Town Council was awarded the title of ‘Best Resourceful ULB.’

MT