Asia’s first ‘Green Village’ faces waste management challenge

May 19, 2023 25 Views No Comment

Locals tourists coming for picnics and leisure generates most wastes, say villagers

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 19

Located 20 kilometers away from the Nagaland State capital of Kohima, the historical Khonoma village, the first ‘Green Village’ in Asia,has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe.

With its naturally blessed resources of lush and pristine landscapes coupled with its intriguing history and rich culture, the village is one of the most visited places in Nagaland as per the Nagaland Tourism.

While the growing popularity of this tourist hotspot has put Nagaland on the global tourism map, it has also brought along a concerning issue: the accumulation of waste.

Not all tourists, whether local, domestic, or foreign, seem to be conscious and considerate of their surroundings, leading to unsightly scenes of litter.

During the monthly cleanliness drive organised by the Khonoma Village Students Union (KVSU), a significant amount of waste was collected from popular spots frequented by visitors, particularly locals who come for picnics and leisure activities.

The waste included wrappers from sweets and chips, papers, as well as heaps of alcohol bottles, empty beer cans, and water bottles.

Disturbed by the situation, some individuals expressed their disappointment through social media, commenting on the irony of visiting a renowned ‘Green Village’ and leaving behind a trail of pollution.

Speaking to The Morung Express, a concerned citizen of Khonoma Village, Noel Khate said the major chunk of the wastes are from local visitors who come for joyrides, picnics etc.

“We don’t restrict anyone from coming. Anyone and everyone is welcome to revel in the scenic beauty of the village. As much as it my village, it also equally belongs to all of us” he underlined.

Efforts have been made to educate tourists, especially those accompanied by local guides, about the village’s rules and regulations.

Nonetheless, Khate added: “All we desire and ask everyone coming is to have some responsibility and manage your own wastes.”

While huge pile of wastes are left behind, Khate informed that the main challenge it currently faces is segregation of the waste, adding that they are also exploring ways and means on how to effectively and efficiently go about it.

‘Honestly, it is very discouraging to see people carelessly littering beautiful destinations,’ expressed Kevikesou Savino, a tour guide of the village.

He also observed how the people of these destination places give so much effort to keep their environment and places clean and neat for visitors to enjoy their visits.

As a tour guide, we believe in the principle of “take nothing except photos and leave nothing except footprints,” he added.

The situation in Khonoma Village is not an isolated incident, and seems to reflect a broader lack of basic public behaviour and social ethics among some individuals in Nagaland.