50% of the Clean Doyang Mission has been accomplished: official

June 12, 2024 5 Views No Comment

Clean up efforts gather momentum with collaborative efforts

Morung Express News
Wokha | June 12

Efforts to clear the accumulated waste at the Doyang River continue, with multiple departments and organisations joining hands for the Clean Doyang Mission.

The Administration, NEEPCO, CISF, DDMA, 7 NAP, Home Guard & Civil Defence, SDRF, Water Resources, Wokha Forest Division, and NGOs such as Team Eco Warrior, Team Better Dimapur, and Lotha Students’ Union from various areas under Wokha district, as well as the Fishermen’s Union, joined the effort on June 11.

Addressing the media, Pukha Lam, EAC and Area Commander for Clean Doyang Mission, stated that the Committee for Clean Doyang Mission comprised of stakeholders from various departments, including the Divisional Forest Officer, District Fishery Officer, District Tourism Office, DDMA, Executive Engineer Water Resources Dept, personnel from 7Nap & SDRF, and NEEPCO.

Preliminary survey commenced on June 7, and clean-up efforts started from June 8, he said, acknowledging the contributions of all stakeholders.

Addressing the challenges encountered during waste removal, he underscored the hot and humid climate at Doyang, alongside the inherent life risks associated with retrieving waste, debris, and other deposits from the river.

Despite these obstacles, Lam affirmed the commitment to the cause and appealed for broader engagement from all stakeholders.

L Jonjibemo Odyuo, Nodal Officer of DDMA Wokha and Operational Chief & PRO of the Mission highlighted the exploration of various methods to address the clean-up operation, concluding that panel cleaning proves to be the most effective approach.

He elaborated on the division of tasks among stakeholders, assigning debris removal to the SDRF, transportation of collected debris to personnel from 7 NAP, and segregation of waste to volunteers.

Additionally, he noted the role of fishermen volunteers in retrieving debris from the water’s opposite bank, with SDRF boats deployed for collection.

Odyuo reported that approximately 50% of the Clean Doyang Mission has been accomplished, expressing optimism for further improvement and additional workforce to ensure successful completion.

Regarding the mission’s duration, he admitted uncertainty due to the myriad challenges but expressed hope for an expeditious resolution.

On behalf Mission, DDMA Wokha, and the State Government, he extended gratitude to Advisor & MLA Mhathung Yanthan and the District Forest Officer for their support and contributions.

John Zeliang, Executive Director and HOP Doyang, noted the annual influx of waste following heavy rainfall, with the most recent occurrence in May.

Focusing on the removal of non-degradable plastic waste from the debris, he expressed satisfaction at the involvement of not only the government but also NGOs and the public and expressed hope for increased awareness and action regarding sensitisation and segregation, akin to the widespread attention gained by the floating waste.

Mhonyamo, Instructor Havildar Homeguard Civil Defence and SDRF said that its team has been stationed at the site for three days, working from 5 am to 6 pm, with 25 members at present.

L Chumdemo Lotha and Rhontsuthung L Odyou from Team Eco Warrior highlighted its tcommitment to nature conservation, with 8 members participating in mission for two days. Additionally, they mentioned organising various activities such as plantation and cleanliness drives as well as awareness programs.

Mhonjan, President, and Vika Yeptho, General Secretary of Team Better Dimapur, outlined its participation’s motive as raising awareness on maintaining clean surroundings and rivers. They appealed for widespread individual participation, emphasising Doyang’s significance to all of Nagaland and the potential for collective change.