Waste segregation at source in Dimapur remains below 10 per cent, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang told the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) during its monthly meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting, chaired by Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu Kense, discussed sanitation and waste management in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner said the district administration has been entrusted with monitoring sanitation under the Solid Waste Management Rules through monthly online reporting.
He called on DPDB members to incorporate sanitation awareness into departmental programmes and village outreach activities, stressing the need for greater participation in improving waste segregation.
Jakhalu said sanitation could not be left solely to municipal councils or the government and called for collective responsibility among government departments, urban local bodies and citizens.
She said clogged drains and indiscriminate dumping of waste had added to Dimapur’s sanitation problems, particularly during the monsoon, affecting the environment, public health and quality of life.
The Deputy Commissioner proposed that the Dimapur Municipal Council and East Dimapur Town Council make a presentation at the next DPDB meeting on their waste management practices, challenges and measures required to improve segregation and meet sanitation targets.