AMN / KOHIMA
Four districts namely Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Kiphire and Longleng have achieved the status of Open Defecation Free under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). This achievement was conferred last year in the month of July. Among the many villages in the state, Ungma Village of Mokokchung District is one such village that has adapted to a cleaner and healthy life.
“Ungma village, under Mokochung District mostly inhabited by Ao Naga tribe became one of the most talked villages in Nagaland for its achievement in various fields of art, culture and the recent being achievement in Swachh status. Since then, there was no turning back for the people of Ungma to have a healthy and sanitary life. With the initiative of the village council, youth, churches and help from the nodal department PHED, the village have been able to achieve cent percent household individual toilets.
Besides, Women groups of Ungma village have been playing a vital role in keeping their village clean. These women groups mostly of house-wives came together and started an initiative known as “Mission Clean drive” whereby it not only encouraged others to follow suit but also have shown an example of becoming self-sustainable. With a humble beginning, under the mission clean drive, a voluntary group of women consisting of 20 members started a recycling project in August last year with the aim to spread the message of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
At present, it has more than 250 members who are taking an active part in spreading the message of waste recycling and cleanliness in their area. The group has been involved in making baskets, flower pots and decorative products made out of recycled wastes which are exhibited for sale. The group has also been initiating cleanliness drive and maintaining roadside gardens in their own capacity keeping their village clean. Through the Project, the group aims to keep up the spirit of cleanliness and greenness and to instil the value of civic sense among the citizens.
