A one-day workshop on single-use plastic and a cleanliness drive was organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, on March 25, at the college auditorium under the Swachhata Action Plan (SAP), sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Around 200 NSS student volunteers participated in the programme.
The workshop addressed the growing concerns of waste generation and the need for sustainable waste management practices. Speaking on the topic “From Pollution to Solution: Rethinking Plastic Use,” L.H. Thangi Mannen, Retired Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Nagaland and Convenor, Earth Alliance Nagaland, highlighted that increasing waste generation has made landfills an unsustainable option. She stated that waste management is a shared responsibility, as every individual contributes to waste generation. She stressed the importance of awareness, reducing consumption, adopting alternatives, ensuring proper segregation and disposal, and supporting policies aimed at sustainable waste management.
She also drew attention to the new Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026. The rules introduce mandatory four-stream segregation of waste wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste and emphasize decentralized waste management. The provisions also include stricter penalties under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
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In the second session, Dr Temjensangla Pongener, Coordinator, Earth Alliance Mokokchung, spoke on “Single Use Plastic: Bridging Awareness and Action.” She explained that zero waste does not imply the absence of waste but focuses on minimizing it through conscious choices. She outlined five key approaches to sustainable consumption: rethinking consumption, reducing usage, reusing materials, recycling responsibly, and composting organic waste.
The programme was chaired by Imkongkumzuk, NSS volunteer. The welcome address was delivered by LS Vinod Kumar, Vice Principal of Fazl Ali College, while Dr L Imlinichet Imchen, Programme Officer, NSS FAC, proposed the vote of thanks.
