Embracing the global call for environmental conservation, various government departments, educational institutions, and organizations across Nagaland observed “World Environment Day” with a series of impactful activities on June 5. From plantation drives and awareness programmes to competitions promoting sustainability and green pledges, the celebrations reflected a collective commitment to protecting nature and fostering a greener tomorrow.
CL John highlights environmental challenges
Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, C.L. John emphasized both the blessings and challenges facing the state’s environment during the PBCA Green Mission-cum-World Environment Day celebration. Speaking as the special guest at the event held at the PBCA convention hall, Longleng, he noted that while Nagaland enjoys some of the cleanest air and water, climate change and environmental challenges have become increasingly apparent in recent years.
The event, organized by the Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) and World Vision India Longleng, in collaboration with the Forest Division Longleng, was themed “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution.”
John underscored the state government’s initiatives to combat plastic pollution, pointing out the ban on single-use plastic (SUP) implemented in June 2023, followed by stricter prohibitions on plastic carry bags and bottles below one liter from August 1, 2024. To enforce the ban, District Task Forces (DTFs) have been constituted across Nagaland.
In addition to tackling plastic pollution, the government has actively promoted environmental protection through various stakeholder-driven activities. Campaigns such as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” have resulted in the plantation of over 36 lakh saplings, with ongoing efforts to involve students in afforestation drives.
The Longleng Forest Division, in collaboration with local institutions, has planted approximately 45,000 saplings, further strengthening reforestation efforts. The JICA project has contributed by planting 9.26 lakh saplings over 3,530 hectares in Longleng district.
Efforts to protect wildlife have also expanded, with community-led initiatives for Amur Falcon conservation in Yaong village. Additionally, the state has designated 1,800 hectares as Community Reserves in Longleng district, securing vital ecosystems.
The State Level Committee on Wood-Based Industries has approved the establishment of an Industrial Estate in Tamlu, making Longleng the second district in the ENPO region to receive such a facility. Officials believe this will help boost local economic activity, create employment opportunities, and encourage plantation-based industries.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Dharmendra Prakash reiterated the importance of ecological balance and tackling pollution. The event featured speeches by prominent officials, including DC W. Manpai Phom, president Phom Peoples Council, Y.B. Angam Phom, and president Phomla Hoichem, Ainyu.
The gathering also included performances by local band Bü-OO-Li and presentations from various schools, further reinforcing environmental awareness efforts.
Protecting our environment is not a choice, it is a duty, says T.R. Zeliang
Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, T.R. Zeliang, underscored the importance of environmental conservation and the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution during the World Environment Day celebrations held at Beikingpuichak, Peren District Headquarters. The event, themed “End Plastic Pollution Globally,” was jointly organized by the Peren Forest Division and the District Administration, in collaboration with Heads of Departments under Peren district.
According to a DIPR report, in his address, Zeliang expressed concern over the increasing presence of plastic waste in both urban and rural areas of Nagaland. He pointed out that while the state is blessed with pristine forests and rich biodiversity, the growing menace of plastic pollution threatens the environment. He urged citizens, government officials, and community leaders to take proactive steps in reducing plastic consumption through awareness, action, and accountability.
“The global fight against plastic pollution and promoting a greener forest should begin in our homes and workplaces,” Zeliang emphasized. He encouraged every individual to remain committed to sustainable practices, stating, “Protecting our environment is not a choice, it is a duty we owe to our children and to the generations yet to come.”
Zeliang highlighted the significance of plantation initiatives, stating that tree planting is not just symbolic but a commitment to a healthier Nagaland. He described trees as “nature’s warriors,” capable of combating pollution, purifying air, and restoring ecosystems. He called for community participation in conservation efforts and encouraged afforestation and forest preservation. To mark the occasion, a tree plantation drive was carried out at the District Headquarters, with Heads of Offices and staff participating in clearing overgrown vegetation, foliage, and clogged drainages. The drive extended to Peren, Jalukie, and Ahthibung Sub-Divisions, with respective administrative heads supervising the work. The event featured a Green Pledge, led by Divisional Forest Office Peren, Chisayi. DC Peren, Hiazu Meru, stressed the importance of collective efforts in tackling pollution and urged officers to serve the district with dedication. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by SDO (C) Sentilong Ozukum. The event also saw the flagging off of a new JCB, donated by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, with a dedicatory prayer led by Pastor Nlumbui.
Moatoshi graces WED in Dimapur
World Environment Day (WED) 2025 was observed in Dimapur with a large-scale campaign under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution – Pollution-Free Dimapur.” The programme was jointly organized by the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Team Better Dimapur, District Administration, and the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur.
A mass social work initiative across all DMC wards marked the day, with a flagging-off ceremony held at Clock Tower. Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, graced the occasion as the special guest. He described WED as a global call to action and stressed the need to protect Nagaland’s natural beauty, lamenting that plastic waste is fast becoming one of the state’s gravest environmental challenges.
“This year’s theme is especially relevant for us. Let us move from words to action,” he said, urging citizens to treat Dimapur as their own home and act responsibly.
Over 650 students and representatives from civic bodies, schools, and organizations participated in the rally, which proceeded from Town Hall to Clock Tower Circle and culminated at State Stadium. A ceremonial tree planting was also held at Clock Tower.
Speaking at the culmination programme, Mhonjan Humtsoe, president of Team Better Dimapur, called for collective responsibility to tackle plastic pollution. He highlighted the environmental harm caused by multilayer plastics (MLPs) and informed that, in collaboration with DMC and Earth Alliance, they would collect MLPs from educational institutions for safe disposal in cement factories.
DMC CEO Thungchanbemo Tungoe delivered a strong message on the importance of civic sense. He pointed out that while awareness campaigns are routine, lasting change can only come when citizens internalize civic responsibility. Expressing concern over the rise of microplastics in the food chain, he urged students to lead by example and influence others through responsible behaviour. Tungoe also led a pledge during the event and emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting sustainable practices.
SDO (Civil) Dimapur, Wiridin Zeliang; environmental activist Tapsi Upadhyay, Director of Mission Healthy Bharat; Scientist ‘B’ of NPCB, Yanathung Kithan, also spoke during the programme.
DMC chairman Hukheto Yepthomi and deputy chairperson Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung expressed gratitude to the participants and sanitation workers for their commitment. The mass social work was joined by DMC councillors, Naga Council Dimapur, Dimapur Auto Drivers Union, Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation, and the 113 Infantry Battalion (TA), Rajput, Dimapur.
(Staff Reporter/DIPR)
Mokokchung takes a bold step towards becoming plastic-free: Nuklutoshi: Mokokchung DPDB World Environment Day celebration marked a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to environmental conservation, with Chairman DPDB, Nuklutoshi, declaring that Mokokchung is taking a bold step toward becoming plastic-free.
Held at the DC Conference Hall, the event was organized under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” with the slogan “Let’s Beat Plastic for Green Mokokchung.” The gathering brought together government officials, municipal authorities, environmental advocates, and community leaders in a collective effort to combat plastic waste.
Addressing the attendees, Nuklutoshi described Mokokchung as a land blessed with fresh air and high spirits, now embarking on a sustainable path toward a greener future. He stressed that the fight against plastic pollution must go beyond rhetoric, urging citizens to take real action toward change. “Mokokchung is not just joining the fight; we are leading it,” he declared. “We have a roadmap toward a circular economy, and today, we take a bold step toward real change.” He commended the Municipal Council, Forest Department, youth organizations, NGOs, and individuals for their dedicated efforts, reinforcing the idea that collective action drives real progress. Nuklutoshi urged the community to turn Mokokchung into a model for sustainable living by actively trading waste for a greener roadmap.
Advisor for Law & Justice, Land Revenue, T.N. Mannen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that ending plastic pollution requires a global collective effort to prevent environmental degradation. The event featured speeches by Watsu Mungdang president Tianaro Jamir, MMC deputy chairman Lanuakum, and EE (PHED) Hebo Zhumomi, alongside a welcome note by DC Ajit Kumar Verma and a vote of thanks by DFO Dr. Sentitula. As part of the “Trade Waste for Green Campaign,” awards were presented to individuals and institutions that contributed the highest amounts of plastic waste, further encouraging sustainable waste management practices.
Top Individual Contributors – 1st: Amongsang – 33 Kg; 2nd: Limasunep – 31 Kg; 3rd: Dr. Kilangnaro – 30 Kg.
Top Organizations/Institutions – 1st: Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies – 400 Kg; 2nd: Queen Mary Higher Secondary School – 118 Kg; 3rd: GMS, Tongdentsuyong – 97 Kg. Additionally, special recognition awards were given to I Meren Kichu (85 years) for being the oldest participant, and Soul House Academy for having the youngest team participants.
(Correspondent)
Supongmeren leads tree plantation drive in Kohima: As part of World Environment Day celebrations, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), S. Supongmeren Jamir, spearheaded a tree plantation drive at New Reserve Kohima. The initiative, funded under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) 2025–26, aligns with the ongoing “Clean and Green Nagaland” campaign. Addressing the gathering, Jamir emphasized the urgency of environmental protection and called for a collective shift in attitude among the Naga people. While acknowledging the state’s rich natural resources, he stressed that effective waste management and civic responsibility remain key challenges.
Jamir highlighted that the plantation drive was not just for beautification but also served as a preventive measure against landslides, which frequently affect Nagaland’s hilly terrain. He urged citizens to take individual responsibility in preserving the environment through sustainable practices such as waste management and afforestation.
The event, organized by the Communication Department of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), saw community members participating in planting various saplings.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by KDCC working president Khuvishe (Atomu), with an invocation by Rev. Vesotsu Rhakho and a welcome address by the Chairman of the New Reserve Panchayat.
(Correspondent)
AYO: Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) marked World Environment Day with a citywide cleanliness and tree plantation drive, under the theme “Towards Cleaner and Greener Kohima.” The initiative focused on urban areas and witnessed the participation of youth volunteers from over 30 colonies under the Kohima Municipal jurisdiction. According to AYO Environment Secretary Kedoroko Casavi, the campaign mobilized around 400 youth volunteers to conduct clean-up drives and tree-planting activities across various localities in Kohima. As part of the green initiative, fruit tree saplings were distributed among participating colonies, with individual volunteers also receiving saplings to plant in their own neighborhoods.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable habits beyond symbolic celebrations. He expressed concern that environmental consciousness often fades beyond observances like World Environment Day, urging citizens to treat every day as an opportunity for environmental stewardship.
Highlighting the role of individual responsibility, Rhütso remarked that one of the simplest yet most impactful messages is: “My waste is my responsibility.” He stressed that effective waste management begins at the individual level and could significantly mitigate environmental challenges.
Rhütso also pointed out several daily practices that harm environmental sustainability, including overuse of plastic, vehicle idling in traffic, and improper waste disposal. He suggested exploring innovative models, such as water ATMs, to improve access to potable water, noting that while 75% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, only a small fraction is drinkable. Special guest Miss Nagaland 2024, Anon Konyak, described the event as purpose-driven, reinforcing the need to preserve the environment as a source of joy, peace, and sustenance.
In his keynote address, AYO president Kesosul Christopher Ltu stated that AYO had carried out tree plantation drives in Kisama over the past two years. However, given the ongoing development in Kisama, the organization shifted its focus to the municipal area.
Several dignitaries attended the program, including SP Kohima, Teisovise Metha, and KMC councillors George Thira and Medoviu Suohu. Earlier, a brief inaugural program was held at the AYO office at 10 a.m., led by Kedoroko Casavi, with an invocation prayer pronounced by Associate Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Kohima, Kezhaletuo Yano. Following the inaugural event, volunteers proceeded to designated locations across Kohima to carry out cleanliness and plantation drives.
(Correspondent)
NAMSA: Nagaland Adventure & Motor Sports Association (NAMSA) organized a general clean-up and tree plantation program at its office, Regional Centre for Sports Excellence (RCSE), Sovima, Chumoukedima, as part of its World Environment Day (WED) celebration. The initiative, officially registered with the United Nations WED Program, was held under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
NAMSA president C. Lima Imsong, in a short address, emphasized that the association’s commitment to environmental conservation extends beyond motorsports promotion. He highlighted the need for sustainable practices, engaging in activities such as clean-up drives and tree plantation to support a greener future. This year also marks NAMSA’s Silver Jubilee, reflecting its significant contribution to motorsports in Nagaland. Imsong noted the association’s role in hosting high-profile events, including the JK Tire Indian Racing Festival in Kohima, the Hornbill Motor Rally, and the World War II Peace Rally during the Hornbill Festival. (Staff Reporter)