Healthy environment

Civic authorities, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur, must reorient their priorities toward achieving and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. In recent months, this newspaper has documented and published disturbing images of garbage piles littered across several colonies in Dimapur. The inefficiency in waste management is evident-while it took over two weeks to collect and dispose of garbage in certain areas, in others, such as the Old Airport Road junction in Darogapathar village, it took more than a month for garbage to be removed that too, with the intervention of the PHE department Despite the ban on polythene bags, their presence in waste dumps is unmistakable, adding to the environmental crisis. These colorful, non-biodegradable pollutants have no place in the landscape, yet they continue to be dumped indiscriminately, creating breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes, and other disease-causing pests. The unchecked use of polythene and plastic goods not only disturbs the ecosystem but also leads to serious soil degradation, water contamination, and blockages in drainage systems. Studies have revealed that fish, meat, and vegetables wrapped in polythene bags generate heat that leads to harmful radiation, making the food toxic. Additionally, anaerobic bacteria-known to cause skin diseases and even cancer-thrive in such conditions. Furthermore, discarded polythene bags near households serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, contributing to the rise in dengue, malaria, and other fatal vector-borne diseases. Civic authorities must acknowledge the gravity of these hazards and take urgent steps to enforce environmental laws. Waste disposal and garbage recycling, which have been successfully implemented in metro cities across India, must become top priorities. Recycling programs, stricter waste management regulations, and public awareness campaigns can significantly reduce the burden of unchecked waste accumulation. Another alarming issue in Dimapur is the overflow of sewage and untreated effluents into already clogged drains, resulting in stagnant water bodies that serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Many of these drains have become obsolete, neglected for decades, while others have disappeared entirely due to encroachment. With such worsening conditions, epidemics are a looming threat, necessitating immediate intervention. To address these concerns, the civic authorities must adopt a proactive stance. This would mean–increasing manpower. The number of sweepers and sanitation workers in Dimapur must at least be tripled, with many employed on a contractual basis, to improve cleanliness and efficiency. There is need for strict law enforcement and so public accountability is crucial. Ward councilors must be sensitized about waste management, and penalties should be imposed on those who litter or violate sanitation rules. The other is infrastructure development. This may call for investing in modern waste disposal systems, recycling facilities, and drainage maintenance will ensure long-term cleanliness and environmental sustainability. It needs to be emphasized that public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating residents on the hazards of improper waste disposal and the importance of a clean environment. Keeping our towns clean requires effort, resources, and collective responsibility. For this, there is need on fostering civic consciousness will not only enhance the quality of life but also create a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.