Challenges in Waste Management at Kisama Village Amidst the Hornbill Festival's One Lakh Visitors
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Kohima, Dec 6 (NationPress) A large number of Naga youths are making relentless efforts to keep Naga Heritage Village, Kisama clean and healthy as the venue hosts more than one lakh visitors, including foreigners, for the extraordinary silver jubilee of the 10-day Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.
As reported by officials from Nagaland’s Tourism and Art and Culture department, the first six days saw over one lakh attendees, comprising 1,750 foreigners and more than 26,000 domestic tourists from across India, who enjoyed the cultural and traditional performances of 17 Naga tribes and other communities from various northeastern states.
A senior official from the Tourism Department stated that to maintain the cleanliness, hygiene, and appeal of Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, hundreds of enthusiastic youths are working around the clock.
The Waste Management System has been operational since the beginning of the Hornbill Festival.
This system involves three entities: Human Matrix, Green Guard, and the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
The Human Matrix is responsible for security and waste collection, while Green Guard personnel are stationed at all logistic points for easy waste disposal. The Zub Zub team manages ground operations, including segregation and rag picking. Subsequently, the segregated waste is sent to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), where it is weighed and disposed of appropriately.
Officials noted that a significant portion of the waste collected consists of plastic water bottles, despite a ban on them, prompting questions about the effectiveness of measures to address single-use plastics as per the government's directive – 'Ban on SUP' (Single-Use Plastics).
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nagaland for its commitment to waste management and sustainability, highlighted during the ongoing Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the people of Nagaland, celebrating the festival's vibrant 25-year milestone.
Reflecting on his visit to the festival a few years back, PM Modi described the Hornbill Festival as a vibrant manifestation of Naga culture and traditions.
He encouraged all to immerse themselves in its vibrancy.
A representative from the Nagaland Tourism Department mentioned that the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the state’s sustainability efforts underscores the importance of merging cultural festivities with environmental awareness.
The Prime Minister commented on X: “My best wishes for the ongoing Hornbill Festival and congratulations to the people of Nagaland on this lively festival completing 25 years. I am also pleased to observe the focus on waste management and sustainability during this year’s festival. I cherish my memories from my visit to this festival and urge others to experience the vibrancy of Naga culture.”
Celebrating the rich and diverse culture, customs, and vibrant lifestyle of Nagaland, the 10-day silver jubilee edition of the Hornbill Festival commenced on December 1 at the scenic Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, located 12 km from the capital city Kohima.
