More reports on observation of World Environment Day in Nagaland

World Environment Day (WED) was celebrated across Nagaland on June 5 under the theme “End Plastic Pollution.” Various organizations and institutions organized awareness drives, tree planting, cleanliness campaigns, and environmental education programs to promote sustainability and waste reduction.
KVSU, MYS: Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU) and Merama Youth Society (MYS) Kigwema marked the 52nd World Environment Day with events promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. At Kohima Village Council, KVSU organized an exhibition under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” featuring an interschool competition to inspire innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste. Guest speaker Thenusou Sekhose Yhome, Councillor of Ward No. 6, commended KVSU for encouraging creativity among students. She emphasized the need for collective action and highlighted ongoing waste management efforts by Kohima Municipal Council (KMC). To promote cleanliness, brooms and dustbins were distributed to participating schools. Students presented original models addressing plastic pollution, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices. Winners of the competition included Dapfütsumia Students’ Union (1st) and Tsütuonuomia Students’ Union (2nd) in the Khel category, while Mount Hermon Higher Secondary School, Kohima (1st) and Baptist High School, Kohima (2nd) won in the school category.
Meanwhile, MYS Kigwema, in partnership with Kohima Forest Division and the District Agriculture Office (DAO), Kohima, hosted an event at Akiile Potato Farm, Hydrangea Garden, and Rhododendron Trial under the theme “Preserve Forests, Preserve Life – Organic Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture.”Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kohima, Dr. Sevono Seletsu, stressed the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and encouraged eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags. DAO Kohima, Kekhrieletuo Yhome encouraged awareness campaigns in community spaces, including churches, to promote responsible environmental practices.
Rüsoma village: Rüsoma village observed the day as part of its preparations for the 50th Village Day Anniversary in 2027.
Organized by the Village Day 50th Anniversary Committee in collaboration with the departments of Horticulture and Forest & Climate Change, the event began with a rally of over 800 participants, followed by a dedication prayer led by Rev. Khrieo Mezhù, pastor of CRC Rüsoma. A major highlight was the planting of 4,000 saplings along the village approach road. Orange saplings were provided by the Department of Horticulture, while the Department of Forest & Climate Change contributed tree species suited to the local terrain. The committee thanked both departments and acknowledged the active participation of Don Bosco College’s NSS unit, St. Stephen’s School, GPS Bawe, and Government High School Rüsoma.
Wokha: Wokha Forest Division marked the day at its office premises with Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Nagaland, Supongnukshi, as special guest, alongside IFS officer Zuthunglo Patton. Students from various schools participated in the event. Supongnukshi stressed the urgent need for collective action against plastic pollution, linking it to global warming and the greenhouse effect. He encouraged students to raise awareness, reduce single-use plastics, and promote recycling, warning against the harmful effects of burning plastic. Acknowledging the Wokha Forest Division’s efforts despite manpower challenges, he praised its involvement in KFW and JICA projects and assured a recruitment drive to strengthen the department. DFO Wokha, Suman WM Sivachar, highlighted the infiltration of microplastics into soil, air, water, and even human bloodstreams, questioning whether technology can fully address the crisis. Prizes were distributed to students for their participation, followed by a plantation drive at Mt. Morashen, Old Riphyim Village, Wokha.
DPS: Delhi Public School (DPS) Dimapur observed the day with a special assembly focused on environmental awareness and action. K. Hukato Chishi, conservator of Forests and member secretary of the Nagaland Pollution Control Board, attended as the chief guest. The event featured a speech by principal G. Mala, along with creative presentations, music, and dance performances, all emphasizing the importance of environmental protection. Students also took a pledge to uphold the values of World Environment Day through care, conservation, and responsible actions.A key highlight of the program was the distribution of tree saplings to every UKG student by the chief guest.
Sumi Youth Organization: Minister of Roads and Bridges, G. Kaito Aye led a tree plantation drive from Satakha to Zunheboto on June 5, at NH-702A, Shoixe village junction. The event was organized by the Sumi Youth Organization (SYO) in collaboration with the District Forest Department, Zunheboto, involving churches, civil societies, town councils, BSF, DEF Zunheboto, and local organizations. Kaito praised SYO for bringing together diverse stakeholders and acknowledged the support of District Divisional Officer Obed Bohovi Swu. He urged the expansion of conservation efforts to areas like Aghunato, Atoizu, Pughoboto, and Suruhuto to boost environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and community participation.Emphasizing youth involvement in environmental initiatives, he pledged continued support and encouraged village councils and churches to help maintain the newly planted trees. As part of the initiative, 1,600 saplings were distributed to 16 villages in Satakha constituency.
Key events across Nagaland:
• Advisor of School Education, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome launched “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam 2.0” at Rüzhükhrie Higher Secondary School, Kohima. More than 500 fruit trees were planted at the Directorate of School Education.
• Intanki National Park hosted the culmination of a two-week WED celebration with Eco-Clubs, focusing on cleanliness and awareness activities in schools and villages.
• Bailey Baptist College (BBC) & Niroyo Village organized a campaign promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement.
• PHED Kohima Urban Division conducted beautification drives in Meriema village, including cleaning and tree planting.
• Natural Nagas Team, Wokha led an awareness campaign, collecting plastic waste using eco-friendly jute sacks.
• Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) held an event at Shamator Town, discussing environmental conservation with stakeholders from Tuensang, Noklak, and Shamator districts.
• State Environment & Forestry Training Institute (SEFTI) conducted awareness programs in schools, involving over 1,500 students.
• Nagaland Zoological Park organized environmental activities from June 2-5, culminating in a celebration at the Zoo’s Conference Hall.
• Bhandari Eco-Club & GHSS Bhandari hosted a painting and speech competition, followed by an environmental pledge.
• Baptist Mission School, Jotsoma conducted a cleanliness drive and tree planting.
• Mhainamtsi Village, Peren held an awareness program on plastic pollution in collaboration with C-CERP.
• Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union (CKT) partnered with the Forest Department to plant 200 trees in Mokokchung.
• Directorate of Municipal Affairs, Kohima set up an electronic waste collection point at the Civil Secretariat.
• Immanuel College, Dimapur observed the day with awareness activities organized by its Eco Club and NSS Unit.
• Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Kohima conducted a cleanliness drive at High School Junction.
• PHED Rural Division, Dimapur organized “Trash to Treasure” art and craft competition, a river cleanup drive, and tree planting under Niuland Block.
• Sao Chang College, Tuensang planted tree saplings around its campus.
• North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) conducted a tree plantation and campus cleanup.
• Delhi Public School (DPS), Dimapur held a special assembly with environmental presentations and distributed tree saplings to UKG students.
• Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima hosted an action-oriented environmental awareness program.
• Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) & FNGO NAAME celebrated WED at Zhadima village with discussions on biodiversity.
• Chakhroma Students Union (CSU), Chumoukedima Town Students Union (CTSU), and Chumoukedima Village Students Union (CVSU) conducted a cleanliness and tree planting drive.
• Tsiesema Basa Baptist Church (TBBC) organized a plantation drive along NH-2 and NH-29, coinciding with its Golden Jubilee year.
• RJHSS Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School (RJHSS), Dimapur organized awareness programs on cleanliness.
Spring Valley School at 3rd Mile organized a mass social work cum plantation drive at its school campus to tackle plastic pollution and promote a greener environment.