Dimapur, February 12 (MExN): The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) on February 12 said it has taken serious note of a recent notification issued by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) regarding reconstitution of colony-level sanitation teams under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
In a statement issued by its general secretary Bokato Wotsa, the federation said DUCCF, as a grassroots institution between Colony Councils and GBs (Gaon Buras), has always extended support to municipal authorities, even prior to the conduct of municipal elections.
The sanitation system at the colony level has largely survived due to the commitment and voluntary efforts of grassroots leaders, it said.
While acknowledging that waste management remains a critical concern for Dimapur city, DUCCF strongly objected to what it described as an approach that appears to invoke provisions of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023 as a tool of pressure against grassroots leaders.
“Colony Chairmen and GBs are not obstacles to reform; they are stakeholders and partners in governance. Imposing statutory warnings instead of fostering cooperation may only create unnecessary friction,” the statement said.
It further maintained that waste management is a structural issue requiring planning, infrastructure, technical guidance and financial backing, and not merely notifications and deadlines.
Without proper logistics, segregation systems, transportation mechanisms and public awareness drives, expecting colonies alone to shoulder the burden is neither practical nor fair, it added.
The federation called upon the DMC Administrator to convene an inclusive coordination meeting involving all ward-elected councilors, colony chairmen, GBs and colony councils.
It also sought initiation of a detailed pilot project, designed in consultation with all stakeholders, before enforcing what it termed as rigid compliance measures.
“Dimapur needs partnership, not pressure. Dialogue, not directives. Cooperation, not compulsion,” the DUCCF said, reiterating its commitment to work constructively with municipal authorities for a cleaner and healthier city.
However, it asserted that any sustainable solution must be built on mutual respect and collective responsibility.
