In compliance with the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 and the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the Chumoukedima Town Council (CTC) introduced the ‘Swachh Hunters’ initiative on August 24, with the objective of making Chumoukedima Town litter-free, plastic-free and garbage-free.

Under the initiative, the Self-Employed Women Association (SEWA), Chumoukedima, and the Chumoukedima Town Youth Organization have been notified as ‘Swachh Hunters’. They will work towards improving cleanliness and creating greater public awareness on responsible waste management across the town.

The Swachh Hunters would undertake regular patrols in busy areas, including NH-29 along Chumoukedima Town and major roads under the jurisdiction of the CTC, using tongs to pick up litter as a visible demonstration to citizens and visitors.

As part of their surveillance duties, the Swachh Hunters will walk through assigned street grids to identify littering, overflowing bins, blocked storm-water drains, illegal dumping and garbage accumulation. Repeated violations and problem areas will be reported to the CTC office for necessary action.

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The initiative would also focus on public engagement and behavioural change. With the objective of inculcating the spirit of “mindfulness in each citizen,” the Swachh Hunters will promote moment-to-moment awareness of one’s surroundings and responsibility towards cleanliness. Street shows and other engaging activities will be used to attract public attention and present cleanliness as a collective and enjoyable responsibility rather than a burden.

The Swachh Hunters would operate on the philosophy of “Hate the crime, not the person,” with the primary objective of encouraging residents and tourists to take personal responsibility for the waste they generate and dispose it properly.

Sharing the vision of the Chumoukedima Town Council, the ADC & Executive Officer, CTC, stated that the goal is to transform Chumoukedima into a spit-free and litter-free town. She, however, emphasized that the vision can be achieved only through the full cooperation and participation of citizens and tourists.

The Swachh Hunters initiative is expected to strengthen community participation in cleanliness efforts and encourage a culture of responsible waste management across Chumoukedima Town.