Calls for an end to hunting, forest fires and plastic pollution
Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUN 5 (NPN): Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (EF&CC), CL John, on Friday called for collective efforts to protect the environment, curb forest s and hunting, and eliminate plastic pollution, warning that society’s future depended on the health of its natural surroundings.
Speaking at the World Environment Day 2026 observance at Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park, John addressed the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Recalling widespread tree-planting drives during his student days, the minister said trees planted today would benefit future generations. He called upon the people not only to plant trees but to protect them as well.
John noted that World Environment Day events were taking place across Nagaland and the country, with participation from people of all walks of life. He said the NPF was planning plantation drives in towns and cities, while churches, civil society organisations and community groups actively promote environmental awareness. “Every individual, irrespective of status or profession, depends on the environment,” John said. He stressed that environmental protection and climate stability were essential for peace, well-being and sustainable development, adding that scientists and farmers alike shared responsibility for safeguarding nature.
John said educational achievements and economic progress would mean little without a healthy environment. Citing biblical teachings, he noted that while God created the environment, human actions have caused much of its degradation. He identified forest s as one of Nagaland’s biggest environmental challenges and urged citizens to stop setting jungle s.
He said hunting also posed a major threat to ecological balance, emphasising that forests need wildlife to remain healthy and productive. Further, John expressed concern over rapid urbanization that replaces natural forests with “concrete jungles” and criticized the lack of civic sense shown through littering, public spitting and defacing walls and government buildings with paan and lime stains.
The minister disclosed that the state government was planning a strong campaign against plastic pollution. Single-use plastics, gutkha wrappers and other waste severely pollute the environment and threaten public health.
John urged citizens to plant trees every year and ensure their survival.
He thanked state chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for overseeing the development of Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park, describing it as a vibrant recreational space for families and a venue for public and environmental programs.
During the event, John felicitated winners of photography and videography competitions and released the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board logo.
Earlier, principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force Vedpal Singh, said World Environment Day reminds humanity of its responsibility to protect the environment through meaningful action.
Singh traced the observance to the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, noting that then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was among the few heads of government who attended.
He described the environment as encompassing land, air, water and all living systems, with humans as an integral part of it.
While acknowledging human-caused damage such as ozone depletion, global warming, air pollution, water contamination and toxic waste, Singh highlighted the alarming presence of nanoplastics in Antarctica and in the blood of newborns.
He urged citizens to take corrective measures before damage becomes irreversible.
Singh expressed confidence in younger generations, encouraging students and youth to adopt simple sustainable practices such as reducing plastic use, carrying cloth bags, conserving electricity and saving fuel. “True celebration of World Environment Day lies not in ceremonies but in our personal commitment to sustainable living,” he said. He warned that ecosystems have limits and urged everyone to adopt sustainable lifestyles before crossing critical environmental thresholds.
The programme was chaired by APCCF (EF&CC), M. Senthil Kumar. A special number was presented by Fernwood School, while the vote of thanks was proposed by CCF (Planning & Development), Sidramappa M. Chalkapure. The observance concluded with a ceremonial tree planting at the park premises.