Health & Family Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii Launches ‘Garbage Free City Lunglei Project’ under LMC

Lunglei : The ‘Garbage Free City Lunglei Project’, an initiative under the Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC) aimed at transforming Lunglei into a clean and waste-free town, was officially launched today by Mizoram’s Health & Family Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii at the Convention Hall of the Lunglei Convention Centre.

While inaugurating the project, Minister Pi Lalrinpuii expressed appreciation for the LMC leadership’s commitment and vision in conceptualising a clean town. She emphasized that achieving the goals of this project will require the collective effort of the government and the public. She stated that young girls in every household must play a leading role, starting from proper waste segregation and disposal at the household level. Awareness and training will also be given on proper waste disposal and sanitation practices to ensure the initiative’s success.

The Minister underscored the importance of minimizing the use of non-biodegradable items like plastics and encouraged reuse and recycling wherever possible. She urged the public to use reusable bags instead of plastic or polythene when shopping and highlighted the need for responsible disposal of items like sanitary pads, diapers, and other sanitary waste. She called on all citizens to participate actively in waste collection drives and to collectively work towards a clean, hygienic, and beautiful Lunglei.

Minister Lalrinpuii also mentioned that the government continues to roll out various welfare schemes for the underprivileged and economically weaker sections. She highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable healthcare access for all, mentioning the state’s new initiative, Mizoram Universal Healthcare (MUHCS), as a step towards financial protection for patients requiring long-term treatment or those frequently visiting hospitals due to chronic illnesses.

The launch event was attended by Lunglei South MLA Pu Lalramliana Papuia, LMC Chairman Pu Lalzuithanga, LMC Councillors and staff, government officials, leaders and members of Local Councils, YMA, MHIP, MUP, MJA, students from Lunglei Nursing School and HATIM, political party representatives, and special invitees. The event was chaired by LMC Executive Councillor Pu Zorinsanga Hmar, and LMC Chairman Pu Lalzuithanga delivered a welcome address.

Rev. Lalhmunsanga, Director of the BCM Communication Department, offered a prayer of blessing, while LMC Vice Chairman Pu K. Lalrinawma spoke on the efforts towards hygiene and sanitation under LMC’s leadership. LMC Chief Executive Officer Pu Donny Lalruatsanga provided an overview and briefing on the project, followed by a vote of thanks from LMC Executive Councillor Pi Lalhruaitluangi Sailo.

The clean and sanitation initiative within Lunglei town is spearheaded by the Local Administration Department (LAD) and supported by the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department. Since its formation, the LMC has taken proactive steps in waste management, including the introduction of the ‘LMC Award’ in 2024 to recognize cleanliness at the ward level. Following recommendations by the Municipal Sanitation Committee, the LMC Board of Councillors formally approved the Garbage Free City Project during its meeting on 2nd May 2025.

The project, beginning in 2025, will initially be implemented as a pilot project in four wards—Ward Nos. 1, 2, 9, and 11. These wards encompass nine local councils: Pukpui, Zotlang, Serkawn, Zohnuai, Lunglawn, Salem, Zobawk North, Zobawk South, and Lungpuizawl. A budget of approximately ₹6 million has been allocated for the pilot phase. The project will be expanded in stages, covering all 11 wards within three years—Wards 3, 6, 7, and 8 in 2026, followed by Wards 4, 5, and 10 in 2027.

The project aims to promote collaborative efforts between government departments, educational institutions, local councils, volunteer organisations, and the general public. Activities will include awareness campaigns, community cleanliness drives, proper waste collection systems, formation of garbage-free squads in schools, and regular training and sensitization programs. Ward-level assessments and competitions are also planned to encourage public participation and accountability.