As part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a workshop on Waste Management and Composting as an Alternative to Burning of Waste was held on 24th September 2025 at Kevijau Colony, Dimapur. The event aimed to promote sustainable waste disposal practices and encourage community participation in household and community waste management. The programme was chaired by A. Obangmenla Jamir, President of Kevijau Women’s Organisation (KWO).
Delivering the keynote address, Imlijungla, EAC Dimapur, stressed the urgent need to adopt eco-friendly waste management practices to combat rising pollution levels. She remarked that clean air is the most basic need for a healthy life, yet it remains under constant threat from vehicles, industries, waste burning, and other human activities. She highlighted that the NCAP, launched by the Government of India, seeks to reduce air pollution and make cities healthier places to live.
“The success of NCAP depends on collective effort - government, local bodies, and most importantly, the people. Real change begins when each citizen takes responsibility: by avoiding waste burning, keeping our surroundings clean, planting trees, and making small but meaningful lifestyle changes,” she stated. She further encouraged the community to act together, saying, “The change we hope for begins within our own community. We must first reduce the waste within ourselves - our habits, our negligence and then extend that effort to our surroundings.”
She also highlighted the upcoming Run 4 Green marathon in collaboration with the District Administration, Dimapur Development Authority, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, and the National Youth Climate Consortium with Partner NGOs including Team Better Dimapur, Can Youth, and Pro-Rural, has announced that the Marathon will be held on 27th September, to give awareness on clean air Dimapur, which will include tree planting under the theme “Plant for a Tree Marathon”. She noted that every tree planted is a step toward a healthier tomorrow and a commitment to the future.
Speaking on the importance of waste segregation, Adrian, Consultant from Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), emphasized that burning waste is harmful to all. Instead, he said, waste should be transformed into a resource through proper segregation. “Every household can contribute by separating wet and dry waste. Not everything should go into the same bin. If we take responsibility and teach one another, we can turn waste into wealth and build a cleaner, healthier Dimapur”, he said. He also pointed out that the DMC spends about ₹48 lakhs every month on labour, drivers, and diesel for waste management disposal, yet waste has the potential to generate revenue if handled properly.
The technical session was led by the Life Ministry Learning Centre, which demonstrated composting techniques as a sustainable alternative to open burning of waste.
The workshop concluded with a distribution of compost bin and a vote of thanks delivered by Kesovonou, General Secretary of KWO, while the invocation was offered by Aliang Zeiliang.
(Limatoshi IA, Dimapur)
