Plantation drives mark World Environment Day across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Government departments and educational institutions across Nagaland observed World Environment Day on Wednesday by organising various activities to create awareness on environment conservation on the theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.”

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment.

SDGCC: Commemorating World Environment Day, the Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) under the Department of Planning and Transformation organised a ‘Greening the Earth’ initiative by planting tree saplings at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on June 5.

Speaking at the programme, OSD (Planning) and SDG nodal officer, Nayantara Sasikumar, stated that the key objective of the initiative was to highlight their commitment and mobilise collective action towards addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.

Nayantara also emphasised the urgency of planting more trees and increasing greenery as the state is witnessing increasing frequency and severity of heat waves. She added that the impacts of climate change in Nagaland are felt not just in heat but also in landslides, storms, floods, droughts, biodiversity loss and health issues.

She called upon all to commit to lifelong environmental stewardship and pledge to reduce carbon footprint.

Nayantara and the additional development commissioner of Planning, N Nlumo Murry, planted Bauhinia tree saplings at Civil Secretariat complex.

Kohima forest division: Commemorating ‘World Environment Day,’ the Kohima forest division organising an awareness run with the slogan “Our land, our future, we are #GenerationRestoration.”

About 100 students from 31 schools in Kohima participated in the awareness run, which started from Phoolbari Junction and culminated at Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home.

The awareness run was flagged off by Dharmendra Prakash, principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force (PCCF & HoFF).

Speaking briefly during the prize distribution at the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home, Prakash expressed happiness to witness active participation of the students. He urged the students to take care of the environment throughout the year and create awareness to people around them.

He also discouraged the use of plastic bottles as the disposal of such wastes cause blockade to drainages and harms the aquatic ecosystem.

Meanwhile, he expressed gratitude to the Nagaland Board of School Education, medical team from NHAK, superintendent of police (traffic) for providing invaluable service during the awareness run. He also lauded Neibanuo Z Angami, president of Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home, for the love, effort and support for the children.

Neibanuo Z Angami has briefed about the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home, which is a home to over 90 children from different backgrounds.

Vileshienuo Mepfhü from Christ King Higher Secondary School won the first prize of the awareness run in the girls’ category, while the second and third prizes were won by Hana Khuklum from Model Higher Secondary School and Limasen Jamir of Little Flower Higher Secondary School respectively.

In the boys’ category, Kevichatha Rutsa from Christ King Higher Secondary School won the first prize, while Mutsekho Tunyi from Stella Higher Secondary School and Rajan Kumar from Government High School, PWD, won the second and third positions respectively.

All the winners were awarded cash prize and citation.

DoESDE: Directorate of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (DoESDE) observed the World Environment Day at its directorate.

The additional director, Savio Visa, spoke on the need to conserve and protect the environment by planting more trees and practice afforestation., while The joint director, H Alongse Sangtam, spoke on the theme.

The celebration was marked by administering pledge to staff and trainees. It was followed with plantation drive within office premises.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto district administration, in collaboration with the district election office, observed World Environment Day at Town Square in Zunheboto town.

Prior to the formal programme, the School Education department, in collaboration with DFO (Forest), organised a half marathon to commemorate 50th existence of NBSE.

On the occasion, winners of the ‘Rid Plastic’ inter-school competition namely Seven Homes School, Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, and Government High School, South point, were felicitated with cash awards by Zunheboto Town Council.

It was followed with plantation and cleanliness drive across the town headed by the deputy commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, along with the superintendent of police, DFO, other concerned government offices, NGOs, student bodies and Zunheboto district badminton association.

Medziphema: Mass social work and plantation drive marked World Environment Day in Medziphema sub-division under Chümoukedima district. The mass social work and plantation drive was participated by members from all the offices, shops, residents, local bodies, educational institutions and public.

The plantation drive was organised by Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), in collaboration with Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO), Chakhroma Students’ Union (CSU), Forest department, Medziphema Royal FC, SFS School and Ghaspani battalion of 7th Assam Rifles.

Peren: Peren forest division, in collaboration with schools under Peren district and Jalukie Town Youth Organisation (JTYO), celebrated World Environment Day at Jalukie town main market.

The activities included marathon organised for 12 schools of Peren district under two categories, seedling distribution, plantation drive, mass social work and awareness programme.

An approximate 350 students and public took part in the event.

The DFO of Peren, Dr. Prabhat Kumar; forest range officer in-charge, Kenlumtatei; and vice principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Namrenbe, spoke on the occasion.

Kiphire: Kiphire forest division, in collaboration with 9 NBSE affiliated schools namely Loyola Higher Secondary School, Government Higher Secondary School, Good Shepherd School, El Beth School, Cambridge School, Saramati View Modern School, Trinity School, Agape Higher Secondary School and Holy Cross School along with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Kiphire, observed World Environment Day.

The event began with a half marathon for students, which was flagged off by the superintendent of police, Kiphire, Chinese Chakhesang.

The deputy commissioner of Kiphire and special invitee, Temsuwati Longkumer, urged everyone to pursue environmental conscious lifestyle and highlighted several environmental challenges.

The assistant conservator of forest (ACF), Chupitho, expressed gratitude to the principals and teachers, DC, SP and CMO for their support.

Phek: The department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Phek division, and Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) observed World Environment Day in Phek town.

Speaking at the programme, the deputy commissioner of Phek, John Tsulise Sangtam, highlighted the consequences due to destruction to environment which is affecting directly to human life. He pointed out that rain water is not retained by the soil but flows away due to deforestation and soil erosion leading to frequent landslides and flash floods in the state.

He called upon all to be aware of deforestation and focus on tree plantation for good environment.

The superintendent of police, Phek, Dr. Pritpal Kaur Batra, called upon the students to maintain the environment free from pollution. She also encouraged to preserve the environment by planting more trees and to avoid hunting wild animals and birds.

The DFO of Phek, Enyiwekha Wezah, also dwelled on the effects of land degradation, desertification, urbanisation and drought which have made the land fragile caused due to deforestation. He called upon the students to take up the responsibility to take care of natural environment and restore the land by ways of plantation.

The marathon race was flagged off by Dr. Pritpal Kaur Batra and the winners received a cash awards and certificates.

Mokokchung: The Mokokchung district planning and development board (DPDB), in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), observed World Environment Day at Shisalen Riju in Mokokchung town.

Speaking at the programme, the retired commissioner and secretary and founder of Earth Alliance, Thangi Manen, spoke on the grim reality of environmental degradation citing floods, landslides, air and water pollution as consequences of human impact.

With 50% of Nagaland’s land already degraded, as per an ISRO report, she underscored the urgent need for action. A staunch advocate against plastic pollution, she shared her experiences in combating the issue and proposed solutions like multi-layer plastic segregation and utilising single-use plastics as fuel in cement factories.

The additional deputy commissioner (ADC) and administrator of Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), Chumlamo Humtsoe, echoed the call for environmental stewardship, highlighting initiatives like waste segregation and composting at the household level in Mokokchung.

Representing ABAM, Maong Jamir emphasised humanity’s responsibility to safeguard the environment.

The event was marked by a half marathon green run organised by the divisional forest officer (DFO), in collaboration with the district education officer (DEO).

Wokha: Wokha forest division and Doyang planting division, in collaboration with Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), observed World Environment Day at Lotha Hoho Ki, Wokha.

Delivering the keynote address, the assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Rajiv Shankar, stressed on the need to safeguard natural world by way of environment conservation, safeguard different species of animals and trees which can help to minimise environmental degradation and pollution.

The DFO of Wokha, Suman W M Sivachar, emphasised on the critical aspect of sustainability to ensure long term wellbeing of both humans and the planet.

The skill development officer, Anuranjan Singh, encouraged the students to spread awareness about environment conservation stating that their role in spreading message would not only have an impact within the family but have a greater impact in the society as well.

Highlights of the programme included folk story telling competition and folk song competition. Around 11 schools from Wokha town took part in the competition.

Earlier in the day, ‘Walk for awareness’ was held for the students, which saw the participation from different schools in Wokha town.

Pughoboto: All government offices and villages under Pughoboto sub-division observed the World Environment Day by organising a cleanliness drive initiated by the office of the additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Pughoboto.

The staff of ADC and NAP participated in the cleanliness drive at the new administrative block, while the DEF personnel participated at SDPO and ADC office compounds, EAC staff at Ghathashi administrative rest house and EAC office and students of GHSS Pughoboto at helipad road. A variety of saplings were planted at various government offices.

All the villages and adhoc town council and student bodies under Pughoboto sub-division also participated by cleaning their respective jurisdiction.

Chessore: Chessore town in Shamator district observed World Environment Day by organising mass social work to spread awareness in conserving the environment for a better and healthy future.

Students of Government Higher Secondary School in Chessore town, St. Christopher School in Chessore village, GBs and DBs led by the head GB of Chessore village and town took part in the mass social work and plantation drive.

Students from surrounding villages also participated in the social work.

Tizit: Tizit town in Mon district observed World Environment Day by organising a mass social work. The cleanliness drive was conducted by giving special focus on single-use plastic waste, clearing and cleaning of clogged drains where all the residents actively participated.

To mark the day, staff of the additional deputy commissioner office, Tizit, also planted trees at the office premises.

Chozuba: As directed by the additional deputy commissioner (ADC), a mass social work was organised in Chozuba town under Phek district to commemorate World Environment Day.

Cleanliness drive-cum-waste management collections were monitored by ward authorities including GBs, chairmen, sanitation committee, business union, women and student organisations. The EAC of Chozuba, Sangpangchang Longkumer, supervised the mass social work.

Pungro: In a remarkable display of community spirit and dedication, residents of Pungro town in Kiphire district came together for a mass social work to commemorate World Environment Day with special focus on plastic waste management targeting single-use plastic (SUP). All ward GBs and chairmen supervised the work in their respective wards.

The collective involvement raised awareness, inspired actions and contributed to meaningful environmental improvements showcasing the power of community driven efforts in addressing environmental challenges.

NCCAF: Nagaland Community Conserved Area Forum (NCCAF) with Mt. Pauna Biodiversity Conservation Forum (MPBCF) celebrated World Environment Day in Benreu village on June 5.

A brief formal programme was organised at Benreu village council hall, wherein Heirang Lungalang, NCCAF chairman, thanked all the participants for their presence and encouraged them to take forward the spirit of conservation in their respective areas.

Tokugha Sumi, NCCAF vice chairman, gave a brief outline on the workings and functions of the organisation and stressed the need to know the concept of conservation and educate the community.

After the formal programme, the members undertook plantation of Rhododendron saplings in and around Benreu village. Representative from 11 villages attended the celebration.

AIDA: ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) commemorated World Environment Day by organising various events such as awareness programme, plantation drive and an inter-school quiz competition.

The primary objective of the celebration was to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of environment.

The executive director of AIDA, Rev. Fr. Roy George, spoke on the significance of the day and encouraged the participants to be more responsible in their approach in tackling environmental concerns and make the earth a safe haven for all.

To mark the day, AIDA staff planted fruit saplings and prepared raised beds for vegetable gardening within the campus. Cleanliness drive was also organised by the AIDA staff.

An inter-school quiz competition was also organised by AIDA-Action for Protection of Environment in North East Indian Region (APENIR).

The Eco Club of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Padumpukhuri, won the first prize, while SD Jain Higher Secondary School and SM High School won the second and third positions respectively.

Atoizu: The office of the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Atoizu in Zunheboto district along with the Forest department, PWD (R&B) and numerous government schools observed World Environment Day.

The event began with a tree planting ceremony at the office of the additional deputy commissioner led by Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak P, EAC of Atoizu, which was followed with planting of tree saplings in all government offices.

Besides, staff in all government offices participated in a cleanliness drive with focus to remove plastic wastes.

ECC: Eastern Christian College (ECC) celebrated World Environment Day by organising a plantation drive within the college premises.

During the programme, the college principal, Dr. Dominic Khanyo, highlighted on current environmental issues such as land degradation and the impending drought which demanded the attention of all. He impressed upon the importance of land restoration through controlled development and collective action.

BHS Tening: Baptist High School in Tening under Peren district observed World Environment Day at the school premises. The programme was chaired by the school headmaster, Kenkhambo, while song was presented by Herakimlungle and friends.

Short speeches were delivered by Edin Zau, a student from Shalom Seminary in Kohima, and Captain Bittu Tamang of 25 Assam Riffle. The programme was follow with a plantation drive in the school campus.

GPS Longya: Government Middle School (GMS) at Longya ward in Kiphire town observed World Environment Day coinciding with the Summer Camp 2024. The program was attended by officials from District Mission Authority Kiphire and the coordinators of EBRC, Kiphire block.

The head teacher of GMS Longya ward has briefed the students about the WED and the summer camp 2024. He also discouraged the students to use plastics.

NPP Nagaland: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland state, organised a tree plantation programme at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Chümoukedima, to mark the World Environment Day.

The party workers led by the state president, A Nyamnyei Konyak, took part in the tree plantation drive.

Several schools and other institutions including Altruist Society in Chetheba under Phek district, GHSS Meluri under Phek district, ICFAI University Nagaland, Langpangkong Students’ Conference (LKM) in Mokokchung district, North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) in Chümoukedima, Nerhema Students’ Union (NSU in Kohima district, Nagaland University Lumami headquarters, Bethel Baptist School, Hill Star School in Sheanghah Tangten village under Mon district, Phom Baptist Christian Association in Longleng town, Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School in Dimapur, The Global Open University Nagaland in Chümoukedima, Unity Christian Higher Secondary School in Diphupar, Woodland Higher Secondary School, Angel Home in Dimapur, Livingstone Foundation International, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Phek, Zunheboto, Mon and Peren, Kohima Science College Jotsoma, Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI) Kohima, Nagaland Cricket Association, NCC cadets of Group Kohima HQ, Sakhabama Youth Organisation, Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO), Wokha District Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Ntangki National Park.