Dimapur, Nagaland – Over 800 dedicated volunteers descended upon Dimapur on May 29, participating in a major cleanliness drive as part of “The Himalayan Cleanup (THC) 2025.” This impactful initiative, spearheaded by five local organizations, aimed to combat plastic waste and champion responsible waste management practices across the city.
Dimapur Organization Unite for the Himalaya clean-up 2025, a collaborative effort by Living for Environment (LiFE), YouthNet, e-Circle, Green Guard, and Kuda Waste Solution, saw a diverse group of participants, including students, police personnel, and concerned citizens. Their focus: two critical locations – Dimapur Railway Station and State Stadium.
The Dimapur campaign is a vital part of a larger, annual environmental movement spanning hilly and mountainous Indian states from May 26 to June 5.
Niksungla, founder and chairman of LiFE, highlighted the widespread support for the Dimapur drive during a press conference at Barista Café. “Our campaign in Dimapur was made possible by the active involvement of five local organizations and crucial support from government departments,” she stated, acknowledging the contributions of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), PHED (SBM-G & JJM), Railway authorities, and police personnel from the Commissioner of Police office.
Beyond the core organizers, numerous other groups and individual volunteers lent their hands, including DABA Youth Ministry, Team Better Dimapur, Eco Warrior, Providence Institute of Design & Media, United Royal Riders Motorcycle Club, The Combat Academy, and the National Youth Climate Consortium, Nagaland Chapter. Niksungla also noted that the team successfully raised around Rs 1.5 lakh to facilitate the extensive cleanliness drive.
Startling Discoveries and a Call for Change
The volunteers encountered some surprising waste during the cleanup. At the State Stadium, a significant amount of alcohol bottles, chips and sweets packaging, and, unexpectedly, a large number of diapers were collected. Niksungla pointed out that this “indicated disposal of household waste in public spaces.”
She emphasized the urgent need for a shift in public perception. “Many do not know the concept of waste,” she stressed, urging everyone to “change our lifestyle.” For Niksungla, the solution isn’t just about banning plastic, but about a broader commitment to minimizing waste. Her powerful message: “practice what you preach.”
Sowete-Ü K. Lekro, founder and managing partner of e-Circle, reiterated THC’s core mission: reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable habits.
The cleanup at Dimapur Railway Station revealed a different set of challenges, with a large quantity of soiled diapers, sanitary pads, and plastic bottles containing gutkha spit being collected. Lekro offered a practical solution for plastic bottles: “Plastic bottles can be reused, but once stained, they become waste. Don’t put anything inside the plastic bottle; crush the bottle after use and close the cap.” She also underscored the importance of collective responsibility, involving both consumers and sellers, and urged the state government to support local entrepreneurs producing biodegradable packaging.
Khriemelie Metha, founder of Green Guard, expressed optimism about the enthusiastic participation of schools and colleges in the campaign. He believes that such early involvement can have a profound and lasting impact. “Even small efforts can go a long way,” he remarked.
Nune Chase, Director of YouthNet, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the critical importance of instilling responsible waste management practices among students.
This impactful cleanup demonstrates Dimapur’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future. What steps do you think are most important for individuals and communities to take to reduce plastic waste?
The “Himalayan Cleanup (THC) 2025” in Dimapur stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause. Beyond the sheer volume of waste collected, this initiative sparked vital conversations about our collective responsibility towards the environment. The discoveries at Dimapur Railway Station and State Stadium, from discarded diapers to gutkha-stained bottles, vividly highlight the pervasive issue of improper waste disposal and the urgent need for a fundamental shift in mindset. It’s clear that addressing plastic pollution isn’t just about large-scale cleanups; it’s about re-educating ourselves on the very concept of “waste” and recognizing its impact on our shared spaces.
The vision championed by organizations like LiFE, YouthNet, e-Circle, Green Guard, and Kuda Waste Solution extends far beyond a single day of cleaning. It’s about fostering sustainable habits, promoting innovative solutions like biodegradable packaging, and instilling a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age. The enthusiastic participation of students, police, and various community groups underscores a growing awareness that a cleaner Dimapur, and indeed a healthier Himalayas, requires everyone’s active involvement. As Niksungla wisely stated, the solution isn’t merely about banning plastic, but about minimizing waste through conscious lifestyle choices. Dimapur Organization Unite for the Himalaya clean-up 2025 This widespread effort in Dimapur is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even “small efforts can go a long way” in paving the path towards a more responsible and sustainable future for our communities and our planet. It’s a powerful call to action for each of us to truly “practice what we preach” when it comes to safeguarding our environment.