Nagaland orders statewide mass social work on Nov 13 before Hornbill

Nagaland will hold a statewide mass social work on Friday, November 13, to clean and spruce up public places ahead of the festive season and the Hornbill Festival, the state Home Department has notified, according to a DIPR report carried by Eastern Mirror and The Shillong Times on Monday, November 2.

The drive will start at 6 am. All shops and business establishments across the state will remain closed until 12 noon that day so that people can take part. Local authorities will issue the necessary orders.

Who does what

The deputy commissioners of all districts will be in overall charge of the programme. They will prepare location-wise work plans and give responsibilities to government departments, urban local bodies (ULBs), village authorities and other organisations.

Departments, offices and agencies assigned to a location must arrange their own manpower and disposal trucks to clear the debris and waste collected, working with the district administration and the ULBs.

In towns, municipal and town councils will lead the supervision through their councillors and try to get as many residents as possible to take part. In villages, village councils will organise and carry out the work along with local administrative officers.

Hornbill Festival from December 1

The 27th edition of the Hornbill Festival will be held from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, about 12 km south of Kohima. The festival opens on Nagaland's Statehood Day, December 1.

According to The Shillong Times, several countries are expected to take part this year, and one of the Northeastern states will join as the festival's partner state.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, at an earlier preparatory meeting at Bamboo Hall in Kisama, asked departments and communities to coordinate closely. He stressed good roads, reliable power and water supply, security, traffic management, cleanliness, parking and public conveniences for visitors.

A yearly routine

Statewide cleanliness drives before the Hornbill Festival and Christmas have become a regular practice in Nagaland, with village and ward councils mobilising residents to clear roadsides, drains and public spaces.

The festival showcases the traditions, music, dance, crafts and food of Nagaland's tribes and draws visitors from across India and abroad, making it one of the biggest events on the Northeast's tourism calendar.

Residents and traders should check orders from their district administration or local council for area-specific timings and arrangements on November 13.