The Department of Municipal Affairs, Nagaland, distributed sanitation vehicles to nine Urban Local Bodies and the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur in a programme held at Chümoukedima Public Ground on 15th October 2024 with Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.) as the Chief Guest.
The vehicles were handed over to Dimapur Municipal Council, Chümoukedima Town Council, Medziphema TC, East Dimapur TC, Niuland TC, Mon TC, Aboi TC, Chiephobozou TC, Pfutsero TC and CP, Dimapur.
In his address, Advisor Rio pointed out that despite high literacy rate, Nagas’ way of living, good conduct, practice of cleanliness, civics sense are still lacking behind and urged the gathering to practice dignity of labour, honesty or love for one another whether it be at work, home or outside.
He appealed the ULB representatives to follow the government guidelines of revised Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 to discharge their duties and responsibilities smoothly. He also mentioned that the department will give technical support if needed but execution of plans at ground level should be judiciously implemented by the representatives within their respective jurisdictions.
Further, the Advisor urged all the ULB representative to co-operate and work together as a team and bring a change in their own jurisdiction, leaving aside their own comfort zone and their benefit by fulfilling their election promises.
Commissioner & Secretary, Municipal Affairs Department & Urban Development Department, Kekhrievor Kevichüsa, IPoS, in his key note address, stated that as per the regulations of power in the Municipal Act, sanitation is one of the primaries responsibilities of the ULB and that this is a small step towards the Department helping to achieve the work of keeping their Urban Local Bodies clean and hygiene. He hoped that in the coming years, the functions and assistance given to them will also increase.
Kevichüsa also pointed that funds that are available to the ULB are lesser compared to responsibilities given to them, and sources of fund are also difficult. He informed that purchase of the machineries was made from the 14th Finance Commission and distributing funds for various activities.
He expressed concern and said it’s difficult to source fund if accounts are not audited. Steps are taken to audit the account but the problem facing is that, expenditure statements are not available with bills. Bills for every expenditure must be submitted otherwise it will be unable to get new source of funding from the centre. Therefore, he urged all to provide bills so that whatever proposals the department have put up should be make available in the 16th Finance Commission assistance.
The machineries alloted to 9 ULBs and Commissioner of Police, Dimapur (2023-24) are:
Dimapur MC- 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper (Piaggio Cargo with Hydraulic Hopper) and 2 Electric Vehicle Garbage Collection Fleet, e-rickshaw, capacity-700 KG
Chumoukedima TC- 2 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper (Piaggio Cargo with Hydraulic Hopper) and 1 Electric Vehicle Garbage Collection Fleet, e-rickshaw, capacity-700 KG and 1 Bolero Pik Up 4WD PS BS6
Medziphema TC- 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper (Piaggio Cargo with Hydraulic Hopper, 1 Bolero Pik Up 4WD PS BS6
East Dimapur TC- 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper (Piaggio Cargo with Hydraulic Hopper and 1 Bolero Pik Up 4WD PS BS6
Niuland TC- 1 Piaggio Ape BSVI Garbage Tipper (Piaggio Cargo with Hydraulic Hopper
Mon TC – 1 Bolero Pik Up 4WD PS BS6
Aboi TC – 1 Bolero Pik Up 4WD PS BS6
Chiephoubozou TC- 1 Bolero Pik Up 4WD PS BS6
Pfutsero TC – 1 Bolero Pik Up 4WD PS BS6
Commissioner of Police Dimapur- 1 Electric Vehicle Garbage Collection Fleet, e-rickshaw, capacity-700 KG.