The “International Clean Air Day and Blue Skies” was celebrated across the state on Friday under the theme, “Together for Clean Air”. In Kohima, the event was held at the Capital Cultural Hall where culmination of deeper public engagement and consultation under the National Clean Air Programme 2022-2023 for Kohima city was also observed.
The event was organized by the district administration Kohima in collaboration with Zub Zub India, Kohima Smart City Development Ltd, and Kohima Municipal Council.
Addressing the programme as a special guest, DC Kohima, Shanavas C, called upon the citizens to advocate cleanliness to maintain a clean and healthy environment in the city. He also encouraged students to become ambassadors for creating awareness about safeguarding the cleanliness of the city.
Er. Kezha Thenuo, CEO of KSCDL, in his address on “SMART LIVING”, said over 99% of the world’s population were exposed to polluted air, resulting in 6.7 million deaths annually.
Air pollution stood as the single greatest environmental risk to human health and a major preventable cause of death and disease globally. Therefore, the battle against air pollution has become indispensable, he said.
Thenuo also highlighted the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) as a national-level strategy that seeks inclusive public participation and the development of trained manpower and infrastructure to combat air pollution.
He urged everyone to strive to become responsible citizens, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management, water and energy conservation, and green initiatives like planting more trees and flowers to keep the city fresh and beautiful. He reiterated that “Smart Living” was about being responsible and embracing change, and he called on all citizens to support the efforts of Kohima Smart City Development Limited in making Kohima a more livable city.
The programme saw participation from 22 schools, with Riizhiikhrie Government High School, Bayavii Higher Secondary School, and GMS Midland receiving recognition as the best-performing schools. The epitome award was earned by North Field School.
Phek: The event was observed across the Phek district to with an aim to raise the awareness about the importance of clean air, air pollution and its ill-effects to health, measures to protect and reducing contribution to air pollution etc.
A press release from NHM Phek district media officer Kutolu Nakro stated that the resource person Dr. Limatoshi epidemiologist sensitised the participants on the ill-effects to health caused by air pollution like Asthma, lung cancer, heart conditions etc.
The participants were also highlighted on the sources of indoor air pollution and outdoor air pollution. The short term effects and long term effects caused by air pollution were also briefed to the gatherings.The programs were attended by DPO (NCD) Dr. Shasinle, traffic police, Municipality workers and staff of CMO office.
NEISSR: North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), in partnership with Nagaland Pollution Control Board, organised a workshop on September 8 to commemorate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
At the event, Khriehunuo Rutsa pointed out that Dimapur produced 115 tons of solid waste daily, and that lack of waste segregation, insufficient manpower, and public awareness on disposing waste. Mvudzeviu Shuya stressed the dangers of plastic and e-waste to health and the environment, urging the public to segregate e-waste and utilize official collection centers.
The third session, led by Lashikali Chishi, introduced “Mission LIFE,” initiated by PM Narendra Modi in 2021. The mission targets seven critical actions for environmental sustainability. Over 200 students committed to these goals, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
The workshop was chaired by Asst. Environmental Engineer, NPCB Kevisede Pucho and inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Khing, vice principal of NEISSR.
Er. Aghali A. Swu further emphasized the importance of the day and the event concluded with a pledge and a vote of thanks by Tsulula, vice president, SCSC, NEISSR.
