Northeast Desk, 7th December: The ongoing Hornbill Festival in Kisama has prompted the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) to initiate a comprehensive evaluation of solid waste management and air quality. This marks a significant first for the NPCB, incorporating the use of Respiratory Dust Samplers (RDS) at Naga Heritage Village Kisama.
According to sources, the primary goal of this initiative is to assess and raise awareness among both the government and the public. The NPCB is actively quantifying waste, analyzing its composition, and evaluating the characteristics of solid waste generated during the festival. Respiratory Dust Sampler machines have been strategically placed in key areas like the main arena and the bamboo pavilion, with real-time monitoring of noise levels also integrated.
Initial findings indicate that over 700 kg of solid waste, including plastics, pet bottles, cans, and food waste, was generated on the first day, escalating to an estimated 3000 kg on the second day. Food waste emerges as the predominant component, closely followed by plastics. The quantity of waste has shown an increasing trend since day three, with NPCB staff and laborers from neighboring villages diligently segregating the waste from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
In terms of air quality, the assessment reveals that the air at Kisama exceeds the permissible limit of 100 micrograms per meter cube, indicating high pollution levels. Notably, the NPCB has expanded its air monitoring stations to seven locations in Dimapur and four in Kohima, with plans for further expansion. Additionally, air monitoring machines have been installed in select districts, set to become operational soon.
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