Arunachal Governor launches 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission', honours IMC Mayor Tadar
Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh's Governor didn't just hand out an award — he laid out a blueprint. Alongside honouring IMC Mayor Likha Nari Tadar, Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik proposed a 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission' complete with CCTV surveillance, spot fines, citizen-reporting, and tourist corridors from Hollongi Airport. It is the most detailed civic reform pitch for the state capital in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
Governor Lt Gen K.T.
Parnaik (Retd) conferred the 'Land of the Rising Sun' Medallion for Excellence on IMC Mayor Likha Nari Tadar at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar on 3 August .
The Governor proposed a 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission' backed by CCTV surveillance, spot fines, and citizen-reporting mechanisms.
100 per cent waste segregation at source was urged across all households, institutions, hotels, restaurants and markets.
The Governor called for eliminating single-use plastics in favour of locally available bamboo and cane alternatives.
Clean tourist corridors from Hollongi Airport to major city destinations were proposed, with public toilets, signage and scientific waste disposal.
Initiatives are aligned with the vision of Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat @2047 .
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday, 3 August conferred the 'Land of the Rising Sun' Medallion for Excellence on Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Mayor Likha Nari Tadar, recognising her leadership in transforming the state capital into a cleaner, greener and more citizen-friendly city. The award was presented at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, and was accompanied by the Governor's call for a formal 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission' to position the capital as a sustainable tourism destination.
The Award and What It Recognises
The medallion, one of Arunachal Pradesh's prestigious civic honours, was conferred in recognition of Mayor Tadar's sustained contribution to strengthening urban infrastructure, improving sanitation systems, and driving people-centric governance across the Capital Complex. Governor Parnaik commended both Tadar and the broader IMC team for their proactive approach, noting that a well-managed city reflects the shared responsibility of citizens and civic authorities alike.
The 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission' Proposal
Emphasising the need to make Itanagar a clean, hygienic and tourism-ready capital, Governor Parnaik proposed the 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission' — a multi-pronged initiative backed by strict enforcement, public awareness campaigns, CCTV surveillance, spot fines and citizen-reporting mechanisms. The Governor also stressed achieving 100 per cent waste segregation at source, calling on every household, institution, hotel, restaurant and market establishment to separate wet, dry and hazardous waste.
Push for Plastic-Free Capital and Tourism Corridors
Advocating a plastic-free Itanagar, the Governor urged the elimination of single-use plastics and the promotion of locally available eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo and cane. To strengthen the city's tourism appeal, Parnaik suggested developing clean, tourist-friendly corridors from Hollongi Airport to major destinations — equipped with clean public toilets, proper signage, landscaping, street lighting and scientific waste disposal facilities.
Community Participation and the Road Ahead
Governor Parnaik recommended forming Ward Cleanliness Committees, School Green Brigades and youth volunteer groups, with active involvement of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in city-wide cleanliness drives. He expressed confidence that these measures would help rank Itanagar among the cleanest state capitals in the Northeast, improve public health, boost visitor experience and contribute to the vision of Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat @2047. Mayor Tadar, in turn, briefed the Governor on the IMC's ongoing efforts to upgrade civic amenities, waste management systems and urban infrastructure across the capital.
Point of View
Spot fines, citizen-reporting, and airport-to-destination tourist corridors are concrete asks, not rhetorical flourishes. But Itanagar has seen civic pledges before, and the gap between gubernatorial vision and municipal execution in the Northeast is well-documented. The real test will be whether the IMC receives the budgetary and administrative backing to operationalise the 'Zero Litter Mission', or whether it remains a well-intentioned speech. Mayor Tadar's award is deserved recognition, but recognition alone does not build a clean-city ranking.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission'?
The 'Zero Litter Itanagar Mission' is a civic cleanliness initiative proposed by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik on 3 August, aimed at making Itanagar a clean and sustainable tourism destination. It includes strict enforcement, CCTV surveillance, spot fines, public awareness campaigns and citizen-reporting mechanisms.
Why was IMC Mayor Likha Nari Tadar honoured?
Mayor Likha Nari Tadar received the 'Land of the Rising Sun' Medallion for Excellence for her outstanding contribution to improving urban infrastructure, sanitation and civic services in Itanagar. The award was presented by Governor Parnaik at Lok Bhavan on 3 August.
What are the waste management goals proposed for Itanagar?
The Governor called for 100 per cent waste segregation at source across all households, institutions, hotels, restaurants and markets, separating wet, dry and hazardous waste. He also advocated eliminating single-use plastics and replacing them with bamboo, cane and other locally available eco-friendly alternatives.
How does the proposal aim to boost tourism in Itanagar?
Governor Parnaik suggested developing clean tourist corridors from Hollongi Airport to major city destinations, equipped with clean public toilets, proper signage, landscaping, street lighting and scientific waste disposal facilities, to improve the visitor experience.
Who will be involved in community-level cleanliness efforts?
The Governor recommended forming Ward Cleanliness Committees, School Green Brigades and youth volunteer groups, with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) playing an active role in maintaining cleanliness across the city.
