The Commissioner & Secretary and officers of the Municipal Affairs Department held a program on Wednesday, 16 October, for the distribution of sanitation vehicles to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) at Chumoukedima Public Ground. The event was graced by Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.), Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, who served as the chief guest.

Zhaleo thanked the department and ULB representatives for their participation, emphasizing the need for improved civic conduct and cleanliness among the Nagas, despite the region’s high literacy rate. He urged attendees to embrace the dignity of labor and practice honesty and mutual respect, stressing that cleanliness should align with community values. “If we do not maintain cleanliness, we will struggle to fit into modern civilization,” he stated, appealing for a collective commitment to set a positive example for others.
Zhaleo highlighted the importance of self-reliance, urging citizens not to depend solely on government funding. He encouraged ULB representatives to generate their own revenue and adhere to the revised Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. While he affirmed that the department would provide technical support as needed, he insisted that the successful execution of plans should be the responsibility of ULB representatives within their jurisdictions.
Zhaleo asserted that ULB cannot function with “ego clash” and urged all the ULB representative to co-operate and work together as a team and bring a change in their own jurisdiction, leaving aside their own comfort zone and their benefit by fulfilling their election promises.
IPOS Commissioner & Secretary of the Municipal Affairs Department & Urban Development, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, also addressed the gathering. He stated that sanitation is a primary responsibility of ULBs under the Municipal Act. He noted that the vehicle distribution is a small but significant step toward enhancing urban cleanliness and hygiene.
Kevichusa acknowledged the challenges ULBs face, including limited funding and the difficulty of sourcing funds. He revealed that the machinery was purchased with allocations from the 14th Finance Commission. He underscored the importance of proper financial management, urging ULB representatives to ensure that all expenditures are documented with bills. “Without proper documentation, securing new funding from the center will be challenging,” he warned.
The program culminated in the allocation of sanitation machinery to nine ULBs and the Commissioner of Police Dimapur (2023-24), which included:
· Dimapur MC: 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper and 2 Electric Vehicle Garbage Collection Fleets (e-rickshaw, capacity: 700 KG).
· Chumoukedima TC: 2 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tippers, 1 Electric Vehicle Garbage Collection Fleet (e-rickshaw, capacity: 700 KG), and 1 Bolero Pick Up 4WD PS BS6.
· Medziphema TC: 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper and 1 Bolero Pick Up 4WD PS BS6.
· East Dimapur TC: 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper and 1 Bolero Pick Up 4WD PS BS6.
· Niuland TC: 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper.
· Mon TC: 1 Bolero Pick Up 4WD PS BS6.
· Aboi TC: 1 Bolero Pick Up 4WD PS BS6.
· Chiephoubozou TC: 1 Bolero Pick Up 4WD PS BS6.
· Pfutsero TC: 1 Bolero Pick Up 4WD PS BS6.
· Commissioner of Police Dimapur: 1 Electric Vehicle Garbage Collection Fleet (e-rickshaw, capacity: 700 KG).