Editor,
As the capital region of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Itanagar and Naharlagun, continues to grow, one issue that deserves more attention is garbage management. Development should not only be visible through new roads, buildings, and markets; it must also include sustainable ways of managing the waste that inevitably comes with a growing population.
In recent times, the garbage situation in some parts of Itanagar and Naharlagun has become a visible concern. Piles of waste along roadsides, near marketplaces, and in open corners remind us that waste management is gradually becoming a serious urban challenge. As our towns expand, addressing this issue in a more systematic and sustainable way is becoming increasingly important.
Door-to-door garbage collection services have been introduced in many areas, which is certainly a positive step. However, there is a practical challenge that many residents face. Garbage trucks usually arrive at fixed times, and not everyone is always available at that moment. People may be at work, busy with household responsibilities, or simply miss the timing.
Because of this, some people end up throwing garbage in nearby corners or empty spaces. Over time, these places slowly turn into dumping spots, affecting the cleanliness of the surroundings and the overall environment of the city.
One practical step that the department concerned could consider is installing large public dustbins at suitable locations within colonies and sectors. Such public bins would allow residents who miss the garbage truck to still dispose of their waste responsibly at a convenient time. The municipal authorities could then collect the garbage from these bins regularly.
Many cities already follow similar systems. In places like Pune and Mumbai, and even in several cities abroad, designated garbage collection points with large bins are common in residential areas. This system helps ensure that waste is disposed of in an organised way, rather than being scattered across public spaces.
At the same time, infrastructure alone will not solve the problem. Garbage management also requires a sense of collective responsibility among citizens. Cleanliness should not be seen only in terms of what lies within our own homes or compounds. Waste lying outside our gates or along the roadside still affects all of us. It has consequences for public health, the environment, and the overall quality of life in our towns.
Another important aspect is waste segregation. When disposing of garbage, households should separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Such small practices can make waste management much more effective in the long run.
If we truly wish to see our capital region grow in a meaningful and sustainable way, then responsible waste management must become part of our everyday civic behaviour. A clean city is not created by policies alone; it is sustained by the everyday responsibility of its citizens.
Jarken Gadi,
Naharlagun