Public littering hinders IMC efforts to facelift Imphal
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 04 2025: The paradox of persistent public littering amidst the government's efforts to keep Imphal city clean and well-maintained, apparently presents a significant challenge for the Municipal Administration, Housing & Urban Development (MAHUD) .

The Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) has tactically placed green-coloured dustbins in high-traffic commercial areas like Nagamapal and Khwairamband Keithel, to assist the large number of vegetable vendors.

However, instead of using the bins, garbage is often found dumped directly beside them.

Such irresponsible conduct undermining the government's efforts to keep Imphal city clean, underscores a pressing need for the public to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and develop the habit of disposing of waste properly in the dustbins, rather than on roadsides.

Speaking to this daily on the issue, MAHUD director Ng Uttam informed that 20 garbage-vulnerable points have been identified within Imphal city including near Kalimai mandir, Konung Mamang, Minuthong, Nagamapal and Khoyathong, which used to be littered with garbage.

He informed that these locations have now been cleaned thoroughly, with flowers planted in suitable spots to enhance their appearance.

Additionally, CCTV cameras have been installed and police booths set up at strategic locations.

Solar lamps have also been set up, all aimed at preventing future instances of illegal dumping.

Ng Uttam further noted that the Naga River had become a frequent dumping site, especially by street vendors and individuals who disposed of household waste at night.

The river's condition had severely deteriorated due to such practices.

However, the river has now been cleaned, and the surrounding areas fenced to prevent further dumping.

He also mentioned that a garbage transfer station set up near Nagamapal Kangjabi has been operational for the past week.

In certain areas of Imphal city where large garbage collection vehicles cannot enter, two-wheelers or lighter vehicles are used to collect waste and transport it to the transfer station.

From there, the garbage is picked up by larger vehicles and taken to the main dumping site, he explained.

According to the director, the transfer station is equipped with a dedicated window through which the public can dispose of waste but is kept closed at night to prevent animals from entering the facility.

He also informed that over 20 NGOs have been granted permits by the IMC to collect household waste allowing these NGOs operate vehicles that enter various localities to collect garbage and transport it to designated dumping sites.

However, he stressed the need for these organisations to carry out waste collection at least three to four times a week on a regular basis.

He added that the government is also planning to introduce incentive schemes to encourage and support these NGOs in their efforts.

Appealing to the public to develop the habit of using dustbins and to stop disposing of waste on the streets, Ng Uttam said that twin dustbins will soon be installed at BT Road, Khoyathong, Kanglapat and in front of the Manipur Secretariat.

"These twin dustbins will be colour-coded with blue and green.

The blue dustbins are meant for non-biodegradable waste, while the green ones are designated for biodegradable waste," he said.

He further stated that large, long dustbins in four different colours have been placed along the Nagamapal and Khwairamband stretches, specifically for the disposal of biodegradable waste intended primarily for use by vegetable vendors operating in the area.

Director Ng Uttam also noted that many of the existing public toilets in Imphal city are outdated and plans are underway to upgrade them into modern, user-friendly facilities.

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