For too long, we have heard people groan. For too long, we have remained complacent. Things have begun to literally crumple before us with many already giving up hope for restoration and infrastructure of our society. Everyone is tacitly silent and bearing up without unleashing the choicest words for those perceived to be responsible. However, as all good things emerge out of the rubble, so also the situation has brought some blessings along with it. This is where some people decided to find the answers within themselves rather than be submerged beyond the negative aspects of the situation. And so, a ray of hope emerged and the vision for a better Dimapur took shape.
The Dimapur Municipal Council, headed by its administrator, Moa Sangtam, initiated ‘A Better Dimapur’ as a community-based movement for a cleaner, greener and healthier Dimapur. One of the main objectives is to promote civic responsibility among the community. Officially launched on June 1, 2017, the movement will continue in a phase-wise manner over a six-month interval; it hopes to garner the support of all right-thinking citizens of Dimapur. The first phase will culminate in November, 2017, and after a careful study of achievements and setbacks during this phase, the new phase will be launched by January, 2018. Thus, it will remain a progressive movement which aims to achieve sustainability through the active participation of a more conscientious citizenry. The DMC has partnered with the following like-minded groups towards the achievement of its vision:
Team Green Dimapur
Comprising of eight core members from varied professional backgrounds, the team has supported the DMC’s ‘Better Dimapur’ initiative through cleaning and beautification drives. The team’s underlining philosophy is to systematically increase the green cover in public spaces with aesthetic planning and to revamp old structures. Work began at the City Tower garden on May, 22, 2017, where 58 saplings and ornamentals have been planted so far. This was inaugurated by the DC, Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, on June 1, 2017. Funded by the DMC, 400 saplings and palms have been planted along the dividers from Hotel Tragopan to KFC. Further, paint-work from City Tower to Plaza Point has been supervised by members. The team is committed to continue working closely with the district administration and the DMC in the hope of making Dimapur cleaner, greener and more beautiful.
Team Clean Dimapur
A group that has gained recognition and momentum recently with constructive initiatives for the city, Team Clean took birth through an idea on the Facebook Page, Naga Discussion Forum in March, 2017. With humble beginnings of distributing portable dustbins around the commercial centre, the team’s clean Dimapur campaign has captured the imagination of a younger demographic and has many cheering them on. From conducting cleanliness and plantation drives and fixing upgraded dustbins along public places, the city has definitely been given a facelift. This spirited team has become a vital component of the ‘Better Dimapur’ banner of the DMC. Great things are certainly afoot.
Healthy Dimapur Team
This team emerged as a result of collaboration between the DMC and the CMO’s office, including the malaria department. Comprising five staff of the DMC, their work started with the launch of the ‘Better Dimapur’ project. This team is tasked with controlled use of chemical sprays to exercise vector control in and around Dimapur.
Act of Kindness (AoK)
This group was formed in 2015 to impact Dimapur city through acts of kindness. Its purpose is to move people’s hearts with love, build a sense of ownership of our land, and encourage social responsibility and dignity of labour among the Dimapur populace. Some projects initiated by Act of Kindness include renovation of the labour room at the District Civil Hospital, installation of solar plant for GPS, Kevijau Colony, outreach programmes and conduct of medical camps at orphanages, setting up the Blessing Box, filling up of potholes, and organising “Magnum Opus: An Art and Music Festival,” in collaboration with NEZCC. The team is now working under the ‘Better Dimapur’ initiative of DMC. Work of filling potholes and blacktopping of roads under Dimapur municipality will continue after the rains subside. Founded by Lenti Aier, core members include Kishor Das, L.G. Solomon Rongmei, Supong Imchen, Imtimeren Jamir, Vika Yeptho, Adrian Mahung, Along Aier, Aneila S. Keretsu and Lenti Aier. Associate members comprise of Aien Tain Imsong, Tiawabang I Imsonger, Ninoto Zhimomi and Kashili Hesso.
Dismantling Team
This group was inducted into the movement by the DMC on June 31, 2017. A ten-member team, these young men will help in removing age-old hoardings, dilapidated signboards and unsightly posters and stickers that sully the image of the city. With quite a task at hand, they have made a positive start already.
The angst of society may be justifiable but if it remains just that, not much can be achieved. It is those who decide to translate their frustrations into positive actions that bear the best fruit. It is time. It is time to do our bit. It is time to rise to the occasion. It is time to show up for our land. It is time to ‘be the change’. As an impetus, the DMC has set up the cleanest colony competition from July, 2017 onwards. Judging the competition will be a panel of experts from various fields who will narrow it down with each successive month till November, 2017, when the cleanest colony will be selected. The winner will receive Rs. 1,00,000/- while the 1st and 2nd Runners Up will receive Rs. 30,000/- and Rs. 20,000/- respectively. While these awards will be gratifying enough, the long-term goal is to instil a sense of responsibility in the public, being the biggest stakeholder of society. The noble initiative has the potential for a powerful mass movement that can create ripples in other parts of our Land. Hope is on the horizon; let us begin. A cleaner, greener and healthier Dimapur beckons!