Noklak, the easternmost part of Nagaland is known for its rich cultural heritage and serene landscapes. However, amidst its natural beauty lies a persistent problem that has troubled the local population for years – the excessive dust. Once known for its serene landscapes and clean air, Noklak’s main town now battles a growing problem caused by unsurfaced roads, and increased vehicular activity.

Most streets remain unsurfaced or is in a state of disrepair, generating clouds of dust whenever vehicles pass through. The dry winter months adds to this issue, as the lack of rain allows dust to linger in the air for extended periods.

During the dry season, these roads turn into pathways of fine dust that coat everything in sight—homes and  vegetation.  In contrast, the rainy season transforms these same roads into muddy, slippery hazards, making them almost impassable.

A student from Noklak town who has to walk pass the main town everyday to  school said that the problem is due to the bad road maintainance and the government or the concerned  authority should construct a proper concrete topping road.

Another student  shared his opinion that it is  hard for students to walk and reach the school because of the dust making their uniforms dirty before even reaching their school. He expressed that the public should ask the government to make  better road construction for the people of Noklak.  With the unavailability of school bus in the town, the student wish for school bus service for those who stay far away from school.

The impact of excessive dust on public health is significant. Shopkeepers who spends their whole day in the town are more exposed to the dust in the air becoming more prone to respiratory problems.

A pharmacist who has been running a pharmacy in the town’s centre for a decade now says that there is a drastic change over the years and dust have become severe especially due to the increase of vehicular movement. Many people come with an allergic reaction to which the primary cause is the dust leading to cough especially in the time of winter, she informed.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Road dust also hampers visibility on roads, creating hazardous conditions for the pedestrians. Beyond human health, the dust affects the environment, covering the  vegetation in a thick layer that hinders plant growth and disrupts the local ecosystem.

For residents, the dust creates daily inconveniences. Shops and homes near the main roads are constantly covered in a thick layer of dust requiring frequent cleaning. Many people are forced to wear masks even outside the context of a pandemic to shield themselves from inhaling harmful dust particles. Street vendors in particular find it difficult to maintain the freshness of their goods in such hazardous environment. Shopkeepers who runs their shops in a long line of different types of shops says that they constantly have to clean or wipe the dust off their goods to keep it tidy.

To address this problem, the public strongly yearns towards the local government to  prioritize road repair and paving projects to reduce dust generation.

Excessive dust in Noklak’s main town is more than just an inconvenience— it a health hazard and an environmental concern that demands immediate attention. By taking proper measures, the town can reclaim its clean air and improve the quality of life for its residents.

As Noklak continues to develop, balancing progress with environmental responsibility will be essential in ensuring a sustainable and livable future.