Nagaland marks milestones in Swachh Bharat Mission

October 3, 2024 12 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 3

As the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 comes to an end, it was learnt that Nagaland has made significant progress, achieving remarkable milestones in the area of sanitation and cleanliness.

According to the Minister for PHED & Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, the state currently, has 747 ODF Plus villages, including 406 ODF Plus Model villages, 39 ODF Plus Rising villages, and 302 ODF Plus Aspiring villages as of September 30, 2024.

These figures, he said, represent substantial growth in the state’s efforts towards becoming open defecation free and improving sanitation standards.

Gracing the state level programme on Swachh Bharat Diwas held at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima as the chief guest, he informed that now, with the implementation of Solid and Liquid Waste Management systems, villages that have attained ODF status will also be declared ODF Plus, and will be categorised under ‘Rising’ ‘Aspiring’ and ‘Model’ villages according to the laid down provisions to achieve Sampoorn Swachhata.

The Minister expressed satisfaction over the state’s active involvement in the cleanliness drive, particularly, the enthusiastic response from various communities, and the active role of students in various activities such as cleanliness drives, tree plantations, and innovative ‘Waste to Art’ programmes.

He also stated that out of the total of 27, 70,174 planned events across India, 23,71,685 have been successfully completed. And in a total of over 21 crore people’s participation in the cleanliness initiatives nationwide, Nagaland, he said, played a commendable part and contributed its fair share to this impressive national figure.

Although the campaign of Swachhta Hi Seva may officially end today, Zhimomi reminded that ‘cleanliness is not a one-time affair’ and emphasised that cleanliness as a continuous movement is a collective responsibility of every individual.

While noting the misconception of the citizens of viewing cleanliness or sanitation is solely the government’s duty, the Minister said, ‘we need to change our mindset and embrace cleanliness as part of our vibrant Naga culture.’

He further encouraged the citizens to influence others to join the movement and push Nagaland higher in the national cleanliness ranking index.

The programme was jointly organised by Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (Urban Development Department); Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (PHED) and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC).

Meanwhile, the Swachhata Champion was awarded to Rendinungba from Chakpa village, Mokokchung and Tsukhumla from Kuthur village, Shamator while Seyievino Zütso from Kigwema village was awarded with the Best Sawchhagrahi and best performing focus district to Kohima.

Mokokchung was awarded the best performing district while Dimapur rural & urban division and Mon were awarded with the best enhanced CTU/black spots.

Fenika, Bayavü Higher Secondary School, Veidadu Reikhenamea, Mezhur Higher Secondary School and Thejalexo Sachü were awarded with first, second and third under the poster competition while three consolation prizes were also given away.

Under the ‘Waste Hunt’ Viketouzo & Group, NSS Unit, Kohima College; Manlem & Group, NSS Unit, Kohima College and NSS Unit, Don Bosco College were declared as first, second and third respectively.