Clean air a shared duty: DC Kma

A one-day workshop on the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Kohima, on Friday, organised by the Kohima District Administration in collaboration with the Kohima Press Club (KPC) as part of its yearlong silver jubilee celebrations.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, in his address, congratulated KPC on its 25th anniversary and lauded its role in promoting awareness on clean air.
He also introduced the “One Day with Deputy Commissioner” initiative, aimed at engaging meritorious students, with the first batch from Dr. N. Kire Government Higher Secondary School participating earlier in the day.
Buchem noted that Kohima, now 146 years old, is home to every Naga community and emphasized the need for environmental stewardship. He reminded that Kohima is among the 131 “non-attainment cities” in India where air quality falls below national standards, and called for responsible urbanisation to protect forests and biodiversity.
Urging the media to act as catalysts for change, Buchem said, “You are not just observers, but conscience keepers—your reporting shapes public perception, demands accountability, and builds a culture of precaution.”
He encouraged civic responsibility through simple actions such as walking short distances, carpooling, and proper waste disposal.
Highlighting government–media collaboration, the DC cited the MoU signed with FM Tragopan and police for real-time traffic updates, and called on the press to raise discourse on public transport and electric vehicles.
Keynote speaker Dr. Riku Khutso, EAC, outlined NCAP’s objectives since its launch in 2019 and stressed community ownership of assets and challenges, including waste management.
KPC president Alice Yhoshu said clean air is fundamental to healthy living and appreciated the district administration for involving the press club in the initiative.
Scientist B, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, Yanathung Kithan, presented data on Kohima’s air pollution, citing road dust, vehicular emissions, open waste burning, and indoor pollution from firewood use as major contributors.
He warned of serious health impacts and called for cleaner fuels, better waste systems, and continuous monitoring.
He noted that Kohima’s success under NCAP could serve as a model for other cities.
The programme was chaired by KPC general secretary Vishü Rita Krocha and concluded with a vote of thanks by KPC member Narayan Bahadur. An interaction session followed, and tree saplings were distributed to participants.