Namchi, 3rd October 2023: The Namchi Municipal Council (NMC), an autonomous urban local body (ULB) in Namchi District, Sikkim, successfully concluded its ‘Swachhata League – Season 02’ with a ‘One Hour, One October’ mass cleaning initiative in four of its seven wards on October 1st.

The Swachhata League, which commenced on September 15th with a cleanup around Ngadak Gumpa in Upper Ghurpisey, saw various activities aimed at promoting cleanliness and sustainability. On September 25th, NMC organized medical checkups and facilitated registrations for ‘accidental and dismemberment insurance’ in collaboration with India Post Namchi, benefitting safai mitras, garbage truck drivers, and laborers of NMC.

Furthermore, on September 26th, NMC conducted an awareness program at Namchi Central Park to promote source segregation and proper plastic waste management.

The culmination of Swachhata League – Season 02 featured a mass cleaning effort in Upper Singithang, Gangyep, Dambudara, and Boomtar wards. The invaluable support of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from each ward played a significant role in the success of the league, as noted by SBM nodal officer Margaret Rai. She also acknowledged the continuous encouragement provided by NMC Chairman Ganesh Rai, Vice-Chairperson Sabitri Tamang, league captain and councilor of Upper Ghurpisey ward Pem Norbu Bhutia, member councillors, SBM Namchi Brand Ambassador Kul Prasad Chettri, and Chautara Samaj of Namchi.

Addressing the issue of single-use plastics, the Municipal Executive Officer (MEO) of Namchi emphasized that while it may be challenging to entirely eliminate them, their usage can be discouraged. He suggested that embracing non-plastic bags could help in this regard. Additionally, MEO highlighted the ongoing data collection efforts for plastic waste in Namchi, which will contribute to the efficient operation of the upcoming Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) in Namchi. He expressed a goal of making Namchi a zero-waste destination by 2024.

Discussing solid waste management, MEO Lama stated that hazardous waste, such as lithium, in Namchi, where the population exceeds twelve thousand people, is minimal.

While NMC successfully concluded Swachhata League – Season 02, it remains committed to upholding the principles of the National Green Tribunals Act, including sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and the polluter pays principle in Namchi.