Earth doesn’t belong to present generation alone, says Nagaland Chief Minister

Dimapur, June 5 (EMN): Development is achieving a balance between meeting the requirements and preserving the environment; the earth does not belong to the present generation alone and it is our duty to ensure that a better planet is handed over to future generations, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the occasion of World Environment Day on Saturday.

Rio said this during the World Environment Day 2021 celebration which was virtually organised by the department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, according to an update received here.

He stressed on the need to leave minimum carbon footprint on the planet and commitment towards betterment of the environment. He said that ‘restoration of ecosystems’, which is the theme for the occasion this year, is key to addressing various crises the world is facing.

He lauded the initiatives and commitment of the people towards the cause of conservation, which is reflected in good vegetation cover and establishment of numerous community conservation areas. He also congratulated Dr. Nuklo Phom, and Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary for being awarded the green Oscar 2021 by the Whitley Fund for nature, UK and India Biodiversity Award 2021 respectively.

The chief minister stated that various programmes of the department like National Afforestation Programme, Brahmaputra Rejuvenation Plan along with the externally Aided projects, JICA assisted NFMP, KfW-sponsored Biodiversity project and IFAD-supported FOCUS project will make major contributions in preserving and restoring nature in the state. While highlighting that environmental disasters like ecosystem loss provide conditions for diseases like coronavirus to grow and spread, Rio stated that the state government is doing its best to fight the pandemic.

He also congratulated the department, Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police for commemorating the occasion by carrying out tree plantation drive.

The programme was attended by several dignitaries like DCs, SPs, DFOs and other field functionaries from all districts.