I Longkumer
Dimapur
I had written an article previously emphasizing on the need for concerted efforts to make Dimapur cleaner and more tolerable to live in. At the risk of sounding ridiculous as I circle back to the same topic, allow me the privilege once again since I deem it a public health emergency.
For all the talk of being the commercial capital and the gateway to the rest of Nagaland, Dimapur is notoriously dirty and lacks a dedicated cleanliness program or sanitation strategy. Almost every street and stretch of road is covered in garbage. Like sheep to the slaughter, the ready willingness of the public to wallow in this sorry environment filled with stench is beyond comprehension. We seem to have accepted dirtiness as our integral characteristic. Whether it's NL Road, Church Road or even the stretch of road along Midland, Army Supply road/Lhomithi colony and the road leading to Dimapur Government College to name a few, the sea of garbage is a monumental sight to behold.
For starters, the DMC should strictly prohibit littering and disposing of garbage on the roadside and make it illegal which would attract heavy penalty. It would also be prudent to establish a dedicated Sanitation Task Force to ensure our streets, roads and surroundings remain clean 24/7. An arrangement can be arrived at with concerned colony councils (read DUCCF) to achieve this target. Our Naga youth could possibly benefit in such a scenario - in terms of employment and income.
Shopkeepers and business establishments should bear extra responsibility for keeping the surroundings clean. A walk on NL Road, for instance, will reveal just how much trash is irresponsibly strewn around by shopkeepers and business establishments. If the DMC takes concrete steps toward transforming Dimapur, the public would extend its unwavering cooperation. This is our city, our responsibility. It's time we take it back and set an example for the rest of the state.
While we're at it, the DMC should also initiate measures to direct shops to remove their goods and products from the footpaths. This is a recurring issue which needs to be solved for good. Pedestrians literally have very little to no space to walk. Mention must also be made of hawkers and vendors taking up spaces on footpaths and blocking free movement of pedestrians. Footpaths are meant for walking. Coordinating with the district administration and doing whatever it takes to improve the 'Ease of Living' is only logical. Spitting in public places is another worrisome practice that needs to be banned. We can no longer tolerate this dangerous and outdated practice. Same goes for garbage burning in urban spaces where houses are located in close proximity. It is major contributor to the already poor AQI of Dimapur.
Public health ought to be taken seriously. The laws are there. They must be enforced with sincerity and dedication. Simply issuing notifications alone will not do. They have to be followed up with action. When that happens, the public will fall in line and the end result would be tremendous. Once again, reiterating that discipline is the basis of a high trust society.
Just as we upgrade our automobiles, gadgets and houses, we need to similarly upgrade our thinking and basic standard of living. The unhygienic epidemic in Dimapur is real and it needs to be resolved at the earliest. In doing so, multiple diseases could also be prevented in the long run. To fellow citizens: Let's cultivate the habit of keeping our surroundings clean. It doesn't make sense when we only focus on our homes which is also a form of hypocrisy, frankly speaking. We are responsible for our city and its well-being. The choice is ours. Reform or perish in the depths of garbage.
Cc: Chairperson, DMC
CEO, DMC.
