A community-led sensitisation programme on solid waste management and environmental sustainability was recently organised in Dimapur, Nagaland, wherein community members, local officials, civic volunteers and sanitation workers from the community were brought together to create awareness around solid waste management and the responsibility of caring for the environment.

The event was organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Nagaland, in collaboration with the municipal bodies of Nagaland and the local partners to raise awareness among participants about effective measures to reduce waste generation to reduce waste generated, promote recycling and introduce the concept of source segregation at the household/community levels.

Throughout the programme, the need to properly segregate and sort waste at source was highlighted, including keeping biodegradable waste away from recyclables (paper, plastics, glass, metals). The speakers noted that with good source segregation, the collection and recycling of waste are easier, and that the amount of waste in landfills is reduced, thus lowering pollution and the risk to public health.

Participants in the workshops and demonstrations learned about biological waste management solutions and alternatives to single-use plastics. Participants were also introduced to the role and responsibility of cities, local bodies and institutions when it comes to making cities cleaner and more sustainable.

The municipal officials briefed on the current initiatives to enhance waste collection infrastructure, ensure proper waste disposal systems, and implement sanitation norms in Dimapur. They recommended increased partnerships between the residents, business and government to create a shared vision for sustainability and support healthy living.

Community leaders expressed gratitude to the organisers for this initiative, emphasising the importance of awareness creation and the involvement of community members in improving waste management practices. Participants reaffirmed their pledge to adopt sustainable practices at home and support cleanliness drives in their city.

The outreach programmes are part of ongoing efforts of the municipal and state governments to address urban waste management challenges, such as information campaigns, waste handler capacity building, and collaboration with NGOs, officials said.

This initiative is expected to boost the engagement of citizens with authorities and encourage action towards cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, and an environmentally responsible Nagaland through providing them with knowledge and practical solutions.