Citizens’ role crucial in keeping Imphal clean: MAHUD Director

Director of Municipal Administration, Housing & Urban Development (MAHUD), Ngangom Uttam Singh, has stressed the importance of public participation in maintaining cleanliness in Imphal city. He was speaking at a one-day social service camp held at Khwairamband Ima Keithel, the heart of the city, organized by the Manipur Senmit Ehou Lup (MASEL) as part of its ongoing civic engagement initiative.
Addressing the gathering, the MAHUD Director stated that every citizen has a responsibility in keeping the city neat and tidy. He said that despite daily cleanliness drives conducted by the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC), the desired results cannot be achieved without collective effort from the public.
Uttam Singh highlighted that garbage collection, especially household waste, has been outsourced to NGOs, following the model of many urban centers across India. He emphasized the need for better coordination and understanding between local residents and the NGOs responsible for waste collection. He further urged citizens to practice proper segregation of waste, dividing it into at least three categories—biodegradable household waste, plastics and other recyclables, and hazardous waste such as electronic and medical refuse.
The Director appreciated MASEL’s initiative, calling it a commendable effort towards building a clean city. “It is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to a cleaner and greener Imphal,” he added.
Also speaking on the occasion, Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee and Advisor to MASEL, said the social service event was held in observance of MASEL’s 18th Foundation Day. He remarked that for Imphal to move forward as a modern city, priority must be given to maintaining cleanliness, especially in iconic locations such as Khwairamband Ima Keithel. He added that the women vendors, known as Imas, can only continue their trade in a clean and healthy environment.
The social service camp was conducted under the theme “Clean City, Green City.”
Several community leaders also took part in the event, including H. Nanaocha Meitei, President of MASEL; Kshetrimayum Shanti Devi, President of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham and Shaktam Kanba Lup; Laishram Memma Devi, General Secretary of Manipur Nupi Keithel Marup, Khwairamband Bazar; and R.K. Radhesana Devi, President of Nupi Keithel Semgat Shagatpa Lup, Khwairamband Bazar, Imphal.