Vishü Rita Krocha
In our hasty modern lives, the state of our environment plays a crucial role in shaping the wellbeing of our people. It is no secret that our surroundings naturally influence one's state of mind. A town that is free from litter, pollution, and clutter, instantly creates a positive atmosphere.
We now live in an increasingly urban setting, and a cleaner, healthier environment has become especially important in today’s society. This is not only because it makes a place aesthetically appealing but more importantly, because it has a profound impact on the wellbeing of every citizen.
Cleanliness has been taught at home and at school. These are the first places where children learn the importance of keeping their surroundings clean. But it's not enough to keep our personal spaces clean. Cleanliness must go beyond our homes and schools. Keeping our towns and public spaces clean is a fundamental civic responsibility of everyone who dwells in it. Despite having designated dustbins, we still see our streets and public spaces littered and cluttered with trash, plastic waste and discarded objects. And if citizens could be unmindful of littering in such public spaces, then one can only imagine what could be done to our rivers and forests.
One might have experienced the consequences of living around a pile of garbage in the event of a trash truck failing to show up in a week. That’s the same kind of uneasiness, discomfort, and frustration, that public spaces suffer when they are littered all over.
What's more is that it causes severe environmental and public health risks for those who dwell in it. Keeping our towns and streets clean impacts the everyday quality of life and is truly an investment in the future of our people, also ensuring the sustainability of the spaces we share as a people.
Given the natural beauty of Nagaland, one can only imagine how keeping these shared spaces clean would enhance the beauty of our state. With tourism increasingly becoming one of the main drivers of the state’s economy, there is no denying that keeping our towns and streets clean would further strengthen the image of each place that tourists visit. This, in turn, would greatly contribute to the growth of employment and economic activity.
After all, clean streets and clean public areas also make a place feel safer, more welcoming and easier to enjoy and taking care of these spaces also means protecting them both for the present and future generations. Needless to say, it is an investment in the future as much as it is in the health, comfort and quality of life of our people.
This is a guest editorial by Vishü Rita Krocha. She is the Publisher of PenThrill Publication and a senior journalist based in Kohima.
