Aizawl Launches Major Cleanliness Drive with Long-Term Waste Management Plan

Agartala: As volunteers and officials fanned out across the city with brooms and cleaning equipment, the Mizoram government launched an ambitious cleanliness drive today, aiming for lasting improvements in waste management. The “Faina Hnatlangpui” (Mass Cleanliness Drive) was officially flagged off at Sikulpuikawn by Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Minister K. Sapdanga. Organized in collaboration with the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), the campaign also marked the launch of the 2025 YMA Branch Cleanliness Competition.

Speaking at the event, Minister Sapdanga stressed that cleanliness should be a mindset, not just an activity. “Aizawl’s waste management problem cannot be solved by a one-day effort alone. We need sustainable solutions and cooperation from every citizen,” he said. In a show of government support, the minister handed over 300 sets of essential cleaning tools to CYMA leaders.

Government’s Roadmap for a Cleaner Aizawl

The Mizoram government has laid out a long-term strategy to improve Aizawl’s sanitation. As part of this, the “Comprehensive Plan for Municipal Waste Management in Aizawl” was officially approved on July 4, 2024. The agreement, signed between UD&PA, AMC, and Aizawl Smart City Ltd., outlines new waste disposal systems, recycling initiatives, and sanitation policies to be implemented in the coming years. A Monitoring Committee led by the UD&PA Secretary has been formed to oversee these initiatives and ensure active public participation.

A key highlight of this roadmap is the establishment of a “Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility” at Tuirial, constructed by Aizawl Smart City Ltd. The facility, which adheres to Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, is set to become operational from April 1, 2024. This is expected to revolutionize hospital waste disposal in Mizoram, ensuring safer handling of medical waste.

Additionally, new regulations for construction and demolition waste have been introduced at Hualngohmun to address debris disposal. A dedicated waste processing facility is currently being set up to ensure that construction materials are recycled or disposed of responsibly.

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Modernizing Waste Collection & Recycling

The government has procured 20 new waste collection vehicles under the Smart City initiative to modernise garbage collection and transport. These vehicles will be deployed in Aizawl Venglai and Ramhlun South by July-August 2024. The fleet, which will be managed by AMC, aims to improve waste collection and disposal efficiency.

Moreover, work is underway on a “75 Ton per Day Material Recovery Facility (MRF)” at the Industrial Growth Centre in Luangmual. This state-of-the-art facility will sort and recycle waste more effectively, reducing landfill pressure and promoting sustainable waste management. The project, scheduled for completion by April 2026, will operate under a 10-year contract between Aizawl Smart City Ltd., AMC, and a private contractor. Officials believe this initiative will not only improve waste processing but also create new job opportunities in the waste management sector.

Leaders Urge Public Participation

At the launch event, Aizawl Deputy Mayor R. Thanglura urged citizens to take responsibility for keeping the city clean. He emphasized the need for proper household waste disposal and community-driven sanitation efforts.

CYMA President Lalhmachhuana echoed the sentiment, stating that cleanliness should not be treated as a one-day event but as an ongoing responsibility. He assured that YMA would remain actively involved in efforts to maintain and improve sanitation standards across Aizawl.

The event, chaired by Central YMA Vice-President Prof. Lalnuntluanga, saw participation from UD&PA officials, AMC representatives, and YMA branches. Following the ceremony, YMA branches and Local Councils across Aizawl carried out cleanliness drives in their respective localities, reinforcing the message that a cleaner Aizawl is a shared responsibility.