Kohima reviews solid waste management, stresses segregation

Kohima, October 13 (MExN): Kohima district reviewed the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem at his office on October 12.The meeting discussed key provisions of the rules, including mandatory segregation of waste at source, strengthening waste collection and processing infrastructure, promoting recycling, reducing dependence on landfills and ensuring accountability among waste generators.Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) Chief Executive Officer Alemyapang Longchar highlighted the council’s ongoing information, education and communication programmes across wards to raise awareness about waste segregation and proper disposal.He said waste segregation would be mandatory and vehicles carrying unsegregated waste would not be permitted to unload. He also outlined plans to streamline waste collection through designated collection points and fixed timings, while strengthening community participation and enforcement.Longchar stressed the importance of accurate digital reporting and timely updating of data on the centralised online portal. He called for technical guidance and training for local bodies to improve reporting and compliance, besides emphasising the need for dedicated staff to ensure continuity in sanitation management.The meeting identified several implementation challenges, including inadequate waste-processing infrastructure, limited public awareness, financial constraints, gaps in data reporting and coordination among stakeholders.Buchem suggested organising a dedicated workshop with appropriate resource persons to address issues raised during the meeting and clarify aspects of the rules’ implementation.He said a workshop involving relevant stakeholder departments would provide a platform for discussion, improve coordination, identify practical solutions and establish a common way forward for effective solid waste management in the district.The meeting was attended by officers from the district administration, Urban Development, Rural Development and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), among others, according to a statement issued by the District Public Relations Office (DPRO), Kohima.