In an effort to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment, the Nagaland Pollution Control Board, in collaboration with the Kohima District Administration, the Kohima Municipal Council, concerned ward councillors, and colony authorities, organized a Mass Drainage Cleanliness Drive along the Seicierü River and its upper tributaries on February 28.
In his address at the start of the drive, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, noted that the initiative was positively reciprocated by district authorities after being proposed by Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB). He emphasized that the success of such exercise depends on teamwork and collective community participation.
The Deputy Commissioner raised serious concerns regarding the widespread use of septic soak pits by residents, citing Kohima’s location in a high-risk seismic zone. Because soak pits can destabilize soil and compromise building foundations—while direct sewage discharge into public drains poses severe environmental and health risks—residents are strongly urged to transition to professional cesspool services.
He further observed that while visitors often praise Kohima’s natural air and water quality, they frequently express disappointment regarding the town’s sanitation and hygiene standards. Invoking the proverb ‘cleanliness is next to godliness,’ he urged citizens to strive for a safer, cleaner urban environment. Additionally, he suggested the KMC councillors present in the event to develop a comprehensive master plan to modernize the current drainage system of Kohima.
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NPCB Scientist, Yanathung Kithan remarked that while the cleanup was a demanding task, it was essential because accumulated waste does not dissipate naturally without human intervention. Highlighting the legal gravity of the situation, he noted that the state government has already been penalised ₹200 crore, under the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP), with the case currently pending in NGT court. He issued a call to action for the public to wake up and take personal responsibility for reversing the decline of the region’s air and water quality.
CEO of KMC, Zapuno Sophie, KMC councillors, administrative officers, IPR officials, colony authorities, residents from Officer Hill Colony, Para Medical/Merhülietsa Colony, Supply Colony, Lower Jail Colony, and Lower PR Hill Colony actively participated in the cleanliness drive.
