In a first, the Zapami Village Council and Village Development Board organised competition on conservation of nature on the theme, “2019 as year of tree plantation”. The award ceremony was held on November 28 at Zapami village, Phek. The ceremony was graced by SDAO Pfutsero, Dr. R. Imtionen Ao as the guest speaker.
Speaking at the programme, Dr.Imtionen appreciated Zapami village for taking up the noble initiative at the village level stating that it was first of its kind at the village level.
He cited global warming issues and said that every individual has a role to play its part by planting trees and preserving the nature.
He further reminded the villagers that there was huge scope to develop eco tourism in the area if local people can put effort to preserve rich bio-diversity.
This was stated in a release issued by Kedoutsolhi Wetsah, secretary, VDB Zapami village.
Chakhesang Public Organization, president Mikha Kenye exhorted the gathering and appreciated the village council for the noble initiative and urged them to remain consistent in its efforts to preserve bio-diversity under its jurisdiction. Kenye also said that planting tree and nurturing them through community initiative can bring solutions on global warming. The programme was chaired by Kedoutsolhi Wetsah secretary VDB Zapami Village.
The competition was conducted in three categories clan-wise tree plantations, colony-wise beautification and individual cash crop plantation.
In the clan-wise tree plantation, Lonunumi secured the first prize followed by Putanumi and Lebupfunumi as runners-up. Altogether, the village planted 23,000 trees as per the verification made by the jury board members.
In individual crop plantation competition, Mherhuwe Kenye, who planted 1210 large cardamom in 2019 won the first prize followed by Kewekha Kenye and Kezungulo Wetsah.
In the village colony-wise floriculture and colony beautification competition, Kethoku colony secured the first position out of four colonies. The village council awarded total cash award of Rs. 50,000 with citations to the winner in three categories.