In an effort to address a pressing issue for the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), efforts are underway to stop wet waste from entering into the landfill following a relocation notice served last year by the landowners of the current dumping site. The existing dumping site or landfill, situated on the outskirts of Mokokchung village, has been a cause of concern due to pollution, unpleasant odors, swarms of flies, and its detrimental impact on the surrounding environment.
According to Chumlamo Humtsoe, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Mokokchung and Administrator of the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), the adverse conditions caused by the dumping site have made it unsuitable for the villagers to pursue any activities in its vicinity. The villagers, therefore, issued a notice to the MMC last year to cease dumping garbage on the site.
Under the terms of an agreement between the village and the MMC, a two-year advance notice was required before any relocation efforts could be initiated. “They have provided us with that notice last year, which we will have to relocate by September or October 2024,” stated Humtsoe.
According to Humtsoe, the strong odors and flies primarily result from the wet waste. To alleviate these problems, the municipal council aims to manage the wet waste separately and allow only dry waste to be dumped at the site. By implementing this approach, the council hopes to eliminate the stench, odor, and fly infestation.
“We are hoping that if we can manage the wet waste from entering the dumping site, perhaps, the villagers can reconsider,” the ADC said.
Humtsoe expressed his apprehension about finding an alternative site, recognizing the difficulties involved. However, he opined that if the dumping site is strictly limited to dry waste only, the villagers might reconsider their position. He emphasized that the current dumping site has already transformed into a “wasteland” and estimated that it could take several decades, possibly 30-50 years, to rehabilitate and utilize it for other purposes.
Acknowledging the villagers’ valid concerns, Humtsoe sympathized with their plight, stating, “Nobody would like to give their land for dumping our garbage.” He emphasized the importance of community participation and raising awareness about proper waste management practices at this critical juncture.
In addition to regulating the disposal of wet waste, he said, the MMC is exploring other measures such as biochemical remediation at the dumping site. “Biochemical remediation reduces the bad smell and decomposes the wet waste quicker but these are extremely expensive,” he added.
Humtsoe highlighted the successful household composting efforts in wards like Salangtem and Marepkong, where he was told that in Salangtem ward, fines are imposed to ensure effective waste management. He suggested that if all wards unite and diligently monitor waste disposal, this can be a success.
To address the issue comprehensively, he said, a committee comprising representatives from all wards, elders, SBM ambassadors, and the MMC has been established to facilitate discussions and find a suitable resolution. Despite the challenges at hand, Humtsoe emphasized that the immediate priority is the effective management of wet waste. He stated that successful implementation of this approach would instill greater confidence when negotiating with the villagers.
“This is just the beginning. We will exert our best efforts, and once we achieve success with the wet waste management, we can approach the villagers with greater confidence,” Humtsoe confided.