Earth Day is observed every year on April 22 worldwide, to highlight the significance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.
This year’s the day was observed under the theme, “Our Power, Our Planet.” Nagaland also observance the day by organising various activities including plantation drive across the state.
SAYO ORGANISES MASS CLEANLINESS DRIVE AT DZÜKOU
KOHIMA: In commemoration of Earth Day 2025, a mass “Dzükou Cleanliness Drive” was carried out on Tuesday, organised by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) in collaboration with the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Kohima Forest Division.
The drive began with a kick off programme at the Local Ground in Jakhama, under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.”
Addressing the gathering, Conservator of Forest (Southern Territorial Circle), Zuthunglo Patton, informed that the Forest Department is committed to promoting greater environmental awareness and motivation among youth.
She pointed out that this year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day and highlighted that events across the globe are being organised to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations to make a difference in protecting the planet.
Zuthunglo informed the participants that the focus of Earth Day 2025 is on the promotion of renewable energy, with the global aim of tripling renewable energy generation by 2030. Referring to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2025, she noted that five of the top ten global risks are environmental in nature, underscoring the urgent need for collective action.
She lauded SAYO for taking a leadership role in organising the cleanliness drive and commended the organisation’s recognition by the World Earth Day Organisation for its efforts in protecting Dzükou Valley.
Emphasising that the future of the planet depends on daily actions, she encouraged individuals and communities alike to play their part. She also expressed hope that such initiatives would help youth build confidence and develop into responsible citizens.
Delivering the keynote address, SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio reminded the gathering that caring for Dzükou Valley is not a one-day affair but a continuous responsibility. He said that every act of cleaning is a step towards restoring the valley’s pristine beauty.
Acknowledging the support of the Forest Department, he expressed gratitude for recognising the value of community-led initiatives. Beio also urged the youth and volunteers to see their actions as a source of inspiration for future generations, noting that SAYO’s work has been acknowledged by the World Earth Day Organisation.
Chairing the programme, SAYO’s Health and Environmental Secretary, Zhokedu Zhotso, informed that the sanitation drive aligns with one of the five ideals promoted by the Earth Day Network this year. He reiterated SAYO’s commitment to free Dzükou Valley from litter and plastics and expressed appreciation to all volunteers for their service to society and the environment.
Earlier in the programme, Associate Pastor of Jakhama Baptist Church, Kekhüseto Tase, invoked blessings for the event. As part of the cleanliness drive, volunteers were divided into six groups and assigned various routes along Dzükou Valley and the Base Camp.
The teams included NSS volunteers from St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, and youth organisations from 13 Southern Angami villages. Volunteers were transported to their designated locations with logistical support from the Tata Mobile Union, Jakhama. T-shirts were also distributed to all participants as part of the campaign.
PLEDGE TO REINFORCE COMMUNITY ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY
KIPHIRE: In Kiphire, the day was observed at GHSS Kiphire, under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet – Miti, Ped Aur Paani,” organised by Ura Zuveh Foundation and sponsored by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
Resource persons PGT Zoology, Khangpila Sangtam and GT Science, Wapengrenla Imchen delivered speeches, stressing the need for climate action and sustainability. A drawing competition was also organised to promote environmental awareness among students.
Nusakho Nyekha led a tree plantation drive underscoring the collective role of communities in preserving nature, while Besuvoyi Nienu administered the Earth Day Pledge, reinforcing commitment to sustainable living.
E-WASTE AWARENESS AT PATKAI CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
PCC: Eco Club of Patkai Christian College (PCC) organized an e-waste awareness program on April 22 at Bundrock Chapel, as part of the Earth Day celebration. The program was graced by E-Circle Nagaland, Founder, Sowete-u K Letro as the resource person.
In a press release Patkai Christian College Mass Comm, informed that the awareness program aimed to educate students about the importance of responsible e-waste management and the role they can play in reducing electronic waste.
During the interactive session, resource person, Sowete-u K Letro informed that India is the world’s third-largest e-waste producer. She highlighted the health risks of dumping electronic waste in landfills and explained the difference between linear and circular economies, stressing the importance of adopting sustainable practices. She noted that a circular economy aims on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste.
She underscored that by adopting circular economy practices, environmental impact of e-waste can be reduced and sustainable development can be promoted.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
NOKPU and SARING: Nayi Kiran Trust, in collaboration with Nokpu Students’ Conference and supported by Nokpu and Saring Village Council, organized a community awareness programme for Earth Day across Nokpu and Saringyim villages, Mokokchung.
As part of the celebration, informative posters on wildlife and environmental conservation were displayed along the route connecting the two villages, highlighting the urgent need to protect wildlife and preserve the natural environment.
Nayi Kiran Trust President, Lanusungkum, along with other leaders, delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of conservation and the collective responsibility of communities in ensuring a sustainable future.