Powered by People : Mokokchung’s Material Recovery Facility and the Spirit of Community | Arenla Tzudir

The Material Recovery Facility (MRF ) under the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) has emerged as a cornerstone in the district’s solid waste management efforts. This facility plays a vital role in sorting, processing, and preparing recyclable waste materials, backed by both technological advancement and community engagement.

The MRF building was constructed in March 2020, and shortly after a bailing machine was received under the Swachh Bharat Mission on 22nd February 2020 and installed by April 2020. Further expanding its infrastructure, a shredding machine was received from the Directorate of Municipal Affairs, Kohima , in January 2023, and installed on 8th April 2023. Most recently, a digital weighing machine was received on 7th August 2024 enhancing the facility’s capacity for accurate waste monitoring.

Since its inception, Mr. Kilepchiba, Sanitation Inspector, MMC, was the first to be trained in operation and management of the facility’s machinery. His unwavering commitment, hands – on involvement, and deep understanding of the system laid the groundwork for the MRF’s successful functioning. Under his guidance, three additional staff members have been trained, forming a capable and dedicated team that now collectively manages the day –to day operations of the facility. Mr. Kilepchiba continues to be a driving force behind its daily operations, exemplifying the crucial role that committed and proactive personnel play in sustaining and advancing public service initiatives like MRF.

Though powered by technology, the MRF remains a community – led initiative. Its success depends heavily on public participation and cooperation, especially in waste segregation at the source. In Mokokchung, seven wards – Salangtem , Alempang , Lichaba Lichen, Aongza, Kumlong, and Yimyu -have emerged as exemplary leaders in championing waste segregation and actively supporting the MRF.

Moreover, schools and colleges have wholeheartedlyparticipated by regularly submitting segregated waste, making it a part of their environmental education and outreach efforts.

In the lead-up to World Environment Day 2025, alingnedwith the global theme “ Ending Plastic Pollution Globally” and the local call “ Lets Beat Plastic Pollution for a Greener Mokokchung” , the district initiated a campaign titled “ Trade Waste for Green . The initiative allowed citizens to exchange segregated plastic waste for native tree saplings. The campaign saw an overwhelming response, collecting 1,983.9 kilograms of plastic waste.

Through sustained investment in infrastructure, dedicated manpower, and community cooperation, Mokokchung’sMRF stands as a model of successful Swachh Bharat Mission implementation, demonstrating how committed local governance and community effort can drive meaningful environmental change.

~ Arenla Tzudir