Correspondents
DIMAPUR/ Kohima/ Wokha, JUN 5 (NPN): Nagaland joined the global community in observing World Environment Day 2026 under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” District administrations, institutions, organisations and community groups across the State marked the occasion with tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, awareness programmes and environmental pledges.
The day was observed at the NSSA Park, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, under the aegis of the Eco & Beautification Club and NSSA, with Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha, gracing the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha stressed the urgency of protecting the environment amid the growing impact of climate change.
Municipal Affairs Department: Municipal Affairs Department organised a Waste-to-Resource Exchange programme at the Secretariat Plaza, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima.
The initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable waste management and advancing the circular economy, encouraged both government departments and individuals to adopt responsible disposal practices while supporting recycling and resource recovery.
As part of the programme, government departments exchanged e-waste generated in offices—such as broken air conditioners, batteries, chargers and obsolete electrical equipment—for coloured waste bins to promote segregation and proper disposal. Members of the public were also invited to exchange recyclable plastic waste for reusable shopping bags, offering alternatives to single-use plastics.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Secretariat departments, directorate offices and individuals, who contributed recyclable materials including plastic bottles, cosmetic containers and household waste.
The Department further informed that all e-waste collected during the programme would be handed over to e-CIRCLE for proper recycling and environmentally sound disposal.
KOHIMA: At Kohima, the programme was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, organised by the District Administration and SANKALP–District Hub for Empowerment of Women in collaboration with the District Agriculture Office. DC Kohima B. Henok Buchem, in his address, urged citizens to make responsible choices for sustainability, highlighting five life choices—whether to be consumers or conservers, predators or protectors, selfish or selfless, destroyers or sustainers, and whether to live only for the present or work for posterity. ADC Kohima Ruopfukuotuo Noudi stressed collective responsibility, while AC Kohima Sarthak Singh encouraged tree planting, waste segregation and staying away from harmful substances. DAO Kohima Kekhrieletuo Yhome spoke on women’s role in agriculture and climate change, while Dr. Meniele K. Nuh and Vizokhrienuo highlighted the link between gender equality and environmental sustainability. Farmers’ Award recipients and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao icons were also felicitated.
PEREN: Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO), in collaboration with Ntangki National Park, Peren Forest Division and Mt. Pauna Biodiversity Conservation Forum, observed World Environment Day 2026 at Beisumpuikam Village, Peren.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, deputy chief minister and minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, T.R. Zeliang, said Beisumpuikam holds a unique place in Nagaland’s conservation history due to its association with Ntangki National Park, the State’s only national park. He described Ntangki as one of Nagaland’s greatest natural assets with potential to become a major eco-tourism destination through effective conservation and improved connectivity.
Zeliang urged village councils and youth organisations to adopt strong resolutions against illegal logging, hunting and destructive fishing, stressing that community-led initiatives remain vital for biodiversity protection. He highlighted interconnected ecosystems such as the Dhansiri Forest and River, and commended villages like Puilwa for successful conservation practices, encouraging others to emulate such models to sustain Peren’s reputation as the “Green District of Nagaland.”
Guest of honour DC Peren, Hiazu Meru, underscored the district’s performance in the SDG India Index, ranking 34th among 121 North East districts, and highlighted achievements in clean water and sanitation. Expressing concern over forest loss and declining water tables, he urged strict enforcement of the Nagaland Tree Felling Regulations, 2002, and proposed inclusion of Ntangki National Park’s Director’s Office in the DPDB.
The programme, chaired by NZPO president Zandi Domta, featured addresses by director Ntangki National Park Samom Khelen Singh, and Mt. Pauna Forum president, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Zeme Council president Ernest Sephe.
Department of Social Welfare: Department of Social Welfare joined the state-level observance of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign at the Good Samaritan Senior Citizens’ Home, Meriema-Kohima, on Friday.
Speaking as special guest, director of Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi, said the act of planting trees serves as a reminder that humanity belongs to the Earth and that the Earth sustains all life. She urged participants to remember the love and legacy of mothers while carrying forward the responsibility of caring for Mother Earth.
The programme was chaired by Akali Sema, assistant director, Social Welfare Department, with invocation by Lukhi Rai. Short speeches were delivered by Neithonuo T. Liegise, chairperson of Good Samaritan Senior Citizens’ Home, and Dr. Pihoto I. Khala, president of SCAN. A special number was presented by the residents of the Senior Citizens’ Home.
The vote of thanks was delivered by K. Wango Langsym, deputy director, Social Welfare Department. The programme concluded with a plantation drive under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, organised by Mission Shakti Nagaland under the Department of Social Welfare.(Correspondent)
CSU: Chedema Students’ Union (CSU), in collaboration with the students and staff of Government Primary School, Chedema, undertook a unique plantation and conservation drive led by principal Keviheilie Medom.
The programme was spearheaded by Dr. Keneilhoulie Medom, managing director of KOHIMAS Hospital, and Neisezolie Thevo, president of CSU. It also witnessed the active participation of 30 NSS volunteers from Don Bosco College, Kohima, whose spirit of “shramdaan” contributed significantly to the success of the initiative. As part of the drive, hundreds of cosmos flower saplings were transplanted along the village road. Organisers expressed hope that within two months, the roadside would bloom in vibrant shades of pink, white and orange, creating a welcoming landscape for residents and visitors. Personnel from the 105 Battalion BSF, Chedema and participated in the drive.
(Correspondent)
WOKHA: Various organisations, societies and community bodies in Wokha district conducted tree plantation and cleanliness drives across the town and adjoining areas.
Renchen Women Welfare Society (RWWS) organised a plantation drive at multiple locations, selecting sites where saplings could be nurtured and maintained to ensure long-term growth and ecological benefits. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Wokha Town Council and the Lotha Youth Hoho. The society planted ornamental and shade trees in public areas to enhance the beauty of the town and improve the local environment. Saplings were planted at key sites including below DC office Wokha, Tsumang Lake, Bailey Baptist College, Mount Tiyi College, government offices, schools and several colonies across the district.
(Correspondent)
NBSE: At NBSE Kohima, 73 teachers gathered to reaffirm their role in shaping eco-conscious students, while at NIMSR Kohima, Commissioner & Secretary Health Anoop Khinchi and other officials emphasised afforestation and indigenous medicinal plants. The institute also inaugurated an Indigenous Herbal Garden.
78Bn CRPF: The 78 Bn CRPF, Zubza, in collaboration with Don Bosco School, organised plantation and cleanliness drives along NH-29, while Shamator district planted saplings across offices and roadside areas. Aghunato town conducted mass social work and plantation, while Pfutsero Town Council planted saplings at the landfill site to enhance green spaces.
PUNGRO: In Pungro, IBAPWO and YYO, along with Assam Rifles and other organisations, held awareness sessions on waste management and plantation drives. Aboi town celebrated with a formal programme and plantation drive, while Noklak district organised tree plantation in collaboration with DHEW.
Similar observances were held in Tening sub-division, Chiephobozou, and Bhandari, where schools, government offices and communities undertook plantation, cleanliness drives, competitions and awareness programmes.
KOHIMA COLLEGE: At Kohima College, the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (#Plant4Mother)” campaign was observed at the New Campus. Led by Principal Dr. Vitsosie Vupru and IQAC Convenor Dr. Ketoukhrie-ü, 25 students and 14 faculty members planted 100 saplings of cherry, guava and wild apple species provided by the Forest Department. The drive was coordinated by the Friends of Nature Club, Department of Environmental Science, NSS, NCC and IQAC. Participants pledged to nurture the saplings, reflecting the campaign’s spirit of planting trees as a tribute to mothers while contributing to a greener environment.
TETHUYO VILLAGE: In Tethuyo village, the programme was organised by the Kiphire Forest Division in collaboration with Kiphire District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) and Nagaland Centre for Human Development & Information Technology (NCHD&IT). Hosted by Joel Anar, the event featured speeches by community leaders who emphasised sustainable practices and the importance of trees. Limkhushi Thongliu, panel lawyer of KDLSA, sensitised villagers on environmental laws, while Divisional Forest Officer Sandeep Rajgotra, called for collective action to address environmental issues.
DGC: At Dimapur Government College (DGC), the NCC (SW & SD) unit organised a plantation drive under the theme “Restore Our Earth, Embrace Our Future.” Principal Dr. T. Tiakaba Jamir, vice principal Diethoseu Mepfhuo and 36 NCC cadets planted 22 Pencil Pine trees and ornamental saplings across the campus.
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) carried out a city-wide cleanliness drive under the theme “My City, My Responsibility.” The drive covered the stretch from Hotel Tragopan Junction to Khermahal Police Point. Students and teachers from Neingulie Memorial High School, HMC School and Trinity School joined in clearing roadside waste and cleaning public spaces, reflecting civic responsibility and encouraging behavioural change.
GMS Sangtamtilla: At GMS Sangtamtilla, Dimapur, the Eco Club observed WED with 50 students pledged to protect the environment, followed by cleaning surroundings and planting saplings.
J.N. Aier College: J.N. Aier College marked the day with a plantation drive under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” Students and faculty planted flowering plants within the campus, promoting awareness and preservation of nature.
Lampong Wakching village: In Lampong Wakching village, the Village Council organised a programme under the theme “Clean and Green Village.” VDB secretary Yonglong Chemshe spoke on community-led cleanliness and sustainable practices, stressing individual responsibility. Saplings of pine, cherry blossom and gulmohar were planted along roadsides, while bamboo waste bins were constructed at junctions and marketplaces.
NPF Pughoboto: NPF Pughoboto Division, in collaboration with the Sub-Divisional administration and Forest Department, organised a mass plantation drive. Party leaders, members and volunteers planted fruit-bearing and other saplings around office compounds and roadside stretches. Addressing the gathering, NPF Central Farmers’ Wing leader Y. Vikheho Swu highlighted the dangers of deforestation and stressed nurturing saplings beyond planting. Deputy Range Officer Vinoto K. Rochill lauded the initiative as a meaningful contribution to environmental protection.
NWVTI: Nagaland Women Vocational Training Institute (NWVTI) observed WED at its Kohima and Dimapur centres. At Kohima, trainees and staff conducted a plantation drive, while at Dimapur, participants carried out a cleanliness drive and awareness programme, reaffirming commitment to conservation.
Oriental College, Kohima: At Oriental College, Kohima, the Social Forestry Division collaborated with the Eco Club to organise a plantation drive. Forest Range Officer Neivotuo Pienyü delivered the keynote address, stressing urgent action against climate change and advocating the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
PLHSS: Phom Lempong Higher Secondary School (PLHSS), Longleng, observed WED under the theme “One Student, One Tree.” Environmentalist N. Tialemba Phom, Executive Secretary of PBCA, shared that over one lakh trees had been planted in Longleng district under the PBCA Green Mission Project. Saplings were distributed to nearly 800 students, who pledged to plant trees at home.
PVHSS: At Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), Dimapur, senior students participated in an essay competition, juniors in poster-making, and all joined a plantation drive. Teachers highlighted the importance of protecting the environment.
RSU and RYA: Rünguzumi Students’ Union (RSU) and Rünguzumi Youth Association (RYA) jointly organised plantation and cleanliness drives along the route from the Community Health Centre to Thüritsü, Rünguzu, where saplings were planted and previously planted trees were maintained through weeding and clearing.
LTC: Longleng Town Council (LTC) launched a mass cleanliness drive under the banner “Plastic Free Longleng.” Extensive cleaning activities were carried out across the town, with community members and stakeholders participating. ADC and Administrator Thungchanbemo Tungoe appealed for collective responsibility, stressing that achieving “100% Plastic-Free Longleng” and “100% Waste Segregation” was possible with citizen cooperation. He emphasised that plastic pollution poses severe risks to ecosystems and health, urging residents to act as environmental ambassadors.
NPF Dimapur Division: Commemorating World Environment Day, Party workers and functionaries of NPF Dimapur Division, led by its president, Vihoshe Awomi, on Friday gathered at the Division’s office and carried out mass social work and tree plantation drive.
NMGA: In a commendable initiative to mark World Environment Day, the Nagaland Master Games Association (NMGA) organised a voluntary tree plantation drive at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Gate 1 premises, on Friday.
The programme, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and greening public sports spaces, witnessed active participation from the association’s apex leadership, veteran sportspersons and regional representatives. Leading the ecological drive were NMGA president Yangba Konyak, working president, Razouvotuo Chatsu, vice presidents Roko Angami and P. Yanbemo Humtsoe, and general secretary T. Mhonjan Kikon.
Other key executives including finance secretary, Temsumeren Jamir, joint secretary, Ivuto Wotsa, and executive member, Sanjit Defoe also joined in planting saplings.
Formed in 2018, the Nagaland Master Games Association serves as a premier platform for retired and veteran sportspersons aged 40 and above, encouraging lifelong health, fitness and camaraderie.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) observed the day with extensive tree plantation activities across Nagaland.
In line with the party’s annual calendar, June has been earmarked as “Plantation and Environmental related activities Month”. Following this directive, NPF divisions in all districts mobilized party workers to plant saplings in public spaces, roadsides, and community land.
ASU and CSU: Angami Students’ Union (ASU) in collaboration with the Chakhroma Students’ Union (CSU) conducted a social work drive at ASU Branch Office, Chümoukedima.
Officials and volunteers from both unions participated in cleaning the office premises and its surrounding areas, while waste and litter were cleared as part of the unions’ shared commitment to environmental hygiene and civic responsibility.
ASU Environment & Sanitation Secretary, Viketouzo Yashü said that day was not meant to be limited to speeches noting that real change begins with small, consistent actions such as keeping one’s own spaces clean.
CDI: Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI) Kobima, in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kohima, celebrated WED at Sepfuzou Colony with domestic workers to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainable living.
Advocate cum Retainer Lawyer Kohima DLSA Sunjib Rana emphasized importance of protecting and preserving environment for well-being of present and future generations. A tree-planting programme was also conducted whereby Orange and lemon saplings, provided by District Agriculture Office Kohima, were planted.
CHA: Charis High Academy (CHA) commemorated the day with a plantation drive and inter-house competitions across the campus. CHA vice principal, Chubasenla Jamir emphasized the urgent need to tackle climate change and actively promote sustainability and reminded students and faculty that environmental stewardship was far more than a civic responsibility, but a fundamental moral duty for the incoming generation.
GHSS Kigwema: Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Kigwema observed the day in collaboration with M/S T. Albert Angami & Co.
Commissioner & Secretary, School Education and SCERT, Kevileno Angami, in her address expressed concern over visible effects of climate change and encouraged students to play active role in reversing effects of climate change.
A plantation drive was also carried out whereby 40 saplings were planted.
GHS Bayavü: Government High School Bayavü observed the day in collaboration with directorate of Census Operations, Kohima.
Director, Census Operations, Kenei Miachieo delivered exhortation and shared practical demonstrations with the gathering on how to correctly plant and nurture saplings, while Headmaster of GHS Bayavü, Vedusa exhorted the students.
Officials of Census Operation along with students and staff carried out a plantation drive around the school compounds.
Green Successions: Green Successions of Nagaland State organized awareness campaign commemorating WED at Government Higher Secondary School, Lengrijan, in collaboration with Wildlife Division Dimapur, Nagaland NGO’s Forum, NESSR and Eco Club GHSSL.
A tree plantation drive was also held where around 50 saplings were planted.
ICAR: ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun celebrated the day with participation from Mithun farmers of Mirem village.
During the event, experts emphasized role of Mithun-based farming systems in maintaining ecological balance and preserving forest ecosystems, while awareness was created on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable natural resource management.
Immanuel College: The Eco Club, Immanuel College observed the day in collaboration with Cambridge School, Lengrijan, Dimapur.
In line with the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother), an initiative under directives issued to Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to promote mass tree plantation and environmental awareness, the participants carried out a plantation drive around the campus of Cambridge school. The tree samplings were provided by the Forest Department, Government of Nagaland.
BHSS: Bethesda Higher Secondary School Dimapur commemorated the day with guitarist and Global Ambassador of MasterPeace CooLeaders, Imnainla Jamir, leading the tree plantation drive aimed at promoting environmental awareness and inspiring community action towards a greener future.
JCF: Joint Council Forum, Dimapur, under ward 21 comprising NST Colony, Churches Colony and Middle Point organized a plantation drive within its jurisdiction as part of its commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable community development. The drive was undertaken with the objective of enhancing green cover, promoting environmental awareness and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards protecting nature.
KYO: Kiruphema Youth Organisation organised plantation drive along stretches of AH-1, NH-29, NH-2 and all approach roads under its jurisdiction, commemorating WED.
The plantation drive was conducted in collaboration with Divisional Forest Officer, Dimapur, Forest Range Officer, Kohima, Service Association Kiruphema and youth departments of all churches under Kiruphema Village.
LSC: Department of School Education under Nagaland Education Project-The Lighthouse (NECTAR) observed World Environment Day at all Lighthouse School Complex (LSC) sites across the state.
Commissioner and Secretary of School Education & SCERT, Kevileno Angami attended the celebration at LSC GHSS Kigwema, Kohima.
LHSS: Loyola Higher Secondary School, Jakhama, commemorated the day by transforming its campus into a vibrant center of environmental awareness, creative expression, and community service. The student-led celebration, organized by Eco Club, combined prayer, cultural performances, keynote speeches, sustainable fashion show, and hands-on cleanliness drives that extended beyond the school into nearby villages and highways.
MGM: MGM Higher Secondary School observed the day with great enthusiasm and commitment to environmental protection.
Vice president Fr. Giju George addressed the gathering spoke about how human activities often damage the environment and stressed the need to maintain ecological balance for a better future..
NHSS: Newman Higher Secondary School, Tobu in collaboration with National Service Scheme unit observed World Environment Day. A total of 750 students participated in the cleanliness drive and tree plantation within the school campus.
NPF 5 Ghaspani AC: Naga People’s Front 5 Ghaspani-II Assembly Constituency observed WED on by organizing mass tree plantation drive at Medziphema Town.
Party leaders and workers planted tree saplings at various locations in and around the town.
NLSA: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority in collaboration with High Court Bar Association, Kohima organized fruit tree plantation at New High Court Complex, Meriema in commemoration of the day. Led by member secretary, Neiko Akami, fruit trees including persimmon, avocado, orange, apple, gauva, pears, nectarine among others were planted in the vicinity of the new court complex.
PHED RD Dimapur: PHED Rural Division Dimapur conducted “Special Gram Sabha” across the villages under Chumoukedima, with focus on sensitizations of participants on Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, source sustainability discussion, planning under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM 2.0), promotion of rain water harvesting, implementation of ground water recharge measures and prevention of source contamination through community-led initiatives.
RJHSS: Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School commemorated WED with staff and students engaged in plantation work in the school campus.
MYMDS & DAS: Marwari Yuva Manch Dimapur Shikhar and Dimapur Amrit Samriddhi celebrated WED by planting trees in residential area of branch member Pawan Daga. During this drive, a total of 11 saplings were planted.
Members also visited Clock Tower area and encouraged passers-byes to plant trees and spread awareness about environmental conservation.
TYO: Tenyiphe-II Village Youth Organisation in collaboration with Tenyiphe-II Students’ Union (TSU), organised tree plantation drive under leadership of Keneilhoulie Kin and Dito Neikha.
VCJ: Veterinary College Jalukie, observed WED and Khet Bachao Abhiyan by organizing a plantation drive on the college campus and Awareness Campaign at New Peren Village. The event was aimed to promote environmental awareness, encourage community participation, and contribute to sustainable green practices.
GHSS Meluri: GHSS Meluri celebrated the day, with the programme jointly organised by Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in collaboration with Village Council of Meluri, Forest Department (Phek Forest Division), and Divisional Management Unit (DMU) of Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP-JICA).
A formal programme was also held after which a plantation drive was conducted with saplings provided by JFMC Meluri, where a total of 20 saplings were planted.
ABOI: World Environment Day was celebrated with fervour at Aboi Town Hall, jointly organised by District Administration, Forest Department, Agriculture Department, KU, KNSK, AASU & ATSU, with significance of the day delivered by ADC Aboi, M.S. Thangpong, and keynote address by president, KNSK, Aboi Unit, Lamlen, followed by plantation drive.
SCHE: Salesian College of Higher Education Dimapur organized a tree and fruit plantation drive commemorating WED at the college garden, with enthusiastic participation from members of NCC, NSS, Eco Club and Salesian Cooperators.
EHSS: Eden Higher Secondary School Dimapur conducted cleanliness drive in and around the school campus, while various competitions were conducted for the students.
