Nagaland Minister Jacob Zhimomi Urges Citizens to Embrace Cleanliness as Cultural Responsibility

Nagaland Minister Jacob Zhimomi has encouraged citizens to view cleanliness as a shared responsibility, not just a government task. Speaking at the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 event, he highlighted the need for a cultural shift towards cleanliness in Nagaland. "Many people in our state hold the misconception that cleanliness or sanitation is solely the government's prerogative. We need to change our mindset and embrace cleanliness as part of our broader and vibrant Naga culture," Zhimomi stated.

Zhimomi, who oversees Public Health Engineering and Cooperation, emphasised that cleanliness should be an ongoing commitment. He noted that while the campaign officially concluded on Wednesday, maintaining cleanliness is a continuous effort requiring everyone's participation. "Cleanliness is a continuous movement that requires us all to be responsible and behave accordingly," he added.

Progress in Sanitation Efforts

Nagaland has made significant strides in sanitation, with 747 villages achieving open defecation-free (ODF) plus status by September 30. This progress reflects the state's active involvement in the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. Zhimomi urged everyone to work together to improve Nagaland's position on the national cleanliness ranking index.

The event saw participation from MLAs and advisors Sethrongkyu Sangtam, A Pangjung Jamir, and Kropol Vitsu, who joined in various Swachhata activities. Awards were also presented during the occasion to recognise contributions to cleanliness efforts.

Nagaland's commitment to sanitation is evident through its achievements and active participation in national campaigns. The state's efforts highlight the importance of collective action in maintaining cleanliness and improving public health standards.