Mokokchung’s waste and burial site woes: MMC struggles for alternatives

Since the issuance of a vacate notice till September 2024, the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) has been actively searching for an alternative dumping site but has not been successful. As a result, the MMC was compelled to approach the landowners for an extension.

Speaking on the matter, Deputy Chairman Lanuakum stated that the landowner has granted an extension until December 2025, with specific terms and conditions.

“We have to give justice for destroying the land. We have been dumping our waste for such a long time without any precaution,” he said. He further noted that negotiations would continue, as the landowners understand the struggles faced by the MMC. However, he acknowledged the challenge of justifying the degradation of the land and stated that steps must be taken to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Mokokchung is also facing a crisis concerning burial space, as the town’s graveyard is nearly exhausted. The former MMC had struggled to acquire alternative land for a new burial site.
Regarding this issue, Deputy Chairman Lanuakum said the committee that was set up to look into the issue has been approaching villages to find a burial site, but each village is dealing with its own space constraints.

Earlier, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Chumlamo Humtsoe had stated that a notice would be issued to the families of the deceased, giving them the option to relocate remains. In cases where families opt not to relocate, a memorial wall will be constructed featuring the names of the deceased.

“The reclaimed land will then be utilized for new burials, with a structured approach to optimize space. The lower part of the site will be designated for burials, while the upper part will feature uniform-sized epitaphs for each deceased individual, ensuring a judicious use of the available land,” Humtsoe had stated earlier.

Deputy Chairman Lanuakum further mentioned that they would have to proceed with the proposals set by the previous MMC to address these pressing concerns.

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