Nagaland Launches Statewide Cleanliness Drive Ahead of Hornbill Festival 2026

Kohima, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The government of Nagaland is gearing up for one of its largest cultural events, the Hornbill Festival, scheduled for December. In preparation, the Home Department has instructed all 17 district commissioners to organize a statewide cleanliness campaign on November 13.

This initiative aims to ensure cleanliness and beautification of public spaces and their surroundings. The 27th edition of the Hornbill Festival will take place at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 kilometers south of the state capital, Kohima. The festival will run for ten days, coinciding with Nagaland’s Statehood Day on December 1.

Officials expect participation from various countries, with one of the northeastern states acting as a partner state for the event. A senior official from the Home Department announced that the cleanliness drive will commence at 6 AM on November 13, targeting public areas throughout the state.

District commissioners will oversee the campaign, developing detailed action plans for various locations. They will delegate responsibilities to different government departments, urban local bodies, village authorities, and other relevant organizations. Each assigned department will collaborate with district administrations and urban local bodies to manage waste removal and ensure adequate manpower and waste collection vehicles are available.

In urban areas, municipalities and town councils will monitor the cleanliness drive, encouraging maximum community participation. Similarly, village councils will work with local administrative officials to organize social activities in rural areas.

Additionally, all shops and businesses will remain closed until noon on November 13 to facilitate the smooth execution of the statewide initiative.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized the need for coordination between government departments and local communities during a preparatory meeting at the Bamboo Hall in Kisama. He highlighted the importance of good roads, reliable electricity and water supply, security, traffic management, cleanliness, parking facilities, and public amenities.

The Hornbill Festival showcases Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, traditional customs, local arts, music, dance, handicrafts, and cuisine, drawing tourists from across India and abroad.