The Kohima Forest Division in collaboration with Divisional Management Unit (DMU), Kohima, Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) organized an awareness on Forest Fire and Cleanliness Drive on March 18 at Government Middle School, Phesama, which was attended by students from Class VI to VIII and teachers.
During a brief presentation on forest fire, Capacity Building, IEC & Documentation Expert, NFMP, DMU Kohima, Shekali Holo, highlighted on natural causes of forest fires such as lightening and volcanic eruptions and man-made causes of forest fire, which includes, unattended fire camps, discarded cigarette butts, uncontrolled jhum burning, malicious or criminal purposes amongst others.
She also mentioned about the Dzukou forest fire which occurred on December 2020 – January 2021, which destroyed around 200 acres of old-growth forest. She also briefed on the main causes of fire incidents in Nagaland, which are mostly caused by electrical short circuit, unattended cooking and careless disposal of flammable materials.
In addition, Shekali also highlighted on preventive measure for forest fire such as keeping ignitable objects far from the fire, careful disposal of hot charcoal, dousing campfires till cold and other precautionary measures were imparted to the students.
Chairperson for the programme, Data Entry & Computer Operator, DMU Kohima, N. Manikho, highlighted on the importance of creating boundaries for jhum burning and the establishment of fire lines to prevent the spread of fire.
Mentioning that students can be powerful agents of change through advocacy, activism, and positive initiatives. He encouraged the students to spread the message on preventive measures to people around them.
Following the awareness on forest fire, a cleanliness drive was conducted within the school premises, where the students as well as the teachers took part by collecting the sweet wrappers, plastic materials and other wastes.
Earlier, Ms. Khriebeinuo invoked God’s blessing for the programme, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Planning & Livelihood Expert, NFMP, DMU Kohima, Neiwhenu Kennao. Altogether, 34 students and 7 teachers took part in the programme. The programme was organized under Adoption of Phesama Village, Village Adoption Committee, 14th Southern Angami – I A/C.