I Care Dzükou: SAYO leads sanitation drive at nature’s paradise

A volunteer burns trash during the sanitation drive organized by SAYO in collaboration with tourist guides and Nousi Kro somewhere in Dzükou valley on November 16.

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 16

Over 60 volunteers and tourist guides embarked on a sanitation drive at Dzükou valley under the banner ‘I Care Dzükou’ on November 16.

The Dzükou sanitation drive organised by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation(SAYO) in collaboration with tourist guides and Nousi Kro, was initiated to build awareness on safeguarding and protecting the environment in Nagaland.

A brief programme was held before the cleanliness drive at Dzükou entry point, Viswema with Medokul Sophie, Chairman, Southern Angami Board of Trustees and former Legislator as the Special Guest. In recent years, with growing tourism and an educated generation, Sophie stated that the misconception and false narratives that outsiders perceived of Nagas have changed. “That perception has been changed by the present and younger generation. Because of your attitude and knowledge and also with growing tourism, those false narratives about Nagas are changing,” said Sophie.

Stressing on the scenic topography and rich biodiversity of Nagaland, Sophie mentioned that visitors come to Nagaland to experience 'the raw nature we have preserved over the years'.

In the post modern era where people no longer invest in wealth or property, but on the pursuit of self-care and happiness, Sophie reminded if Nagas are able to deliver the unique experience and joy that tourists seek when they come to Nagaland.

“Our forebears have safeguarded and preserved this land to us. They have not only handed this land to us to take care of it but also to enjoy it, and to let others enjoy it. Therefore, we must strive to be ambassadors of our environment,” said Sophie.

Stressing that cleanliness is everybody's duty, Sophie urged the gathering set an example to love and take care of the environment. Sophie who is also an environment crusader led the way by joining the volunteers in cleaning up Dzükou valley.

“We are living in a competitive world with so many events and activities running this world. In such a time, we need to reflect and introspect on ourselves,” said Zakieleto Tsükrü, President, Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) while reaffirming the commitment to love and safeguard one's land.

Dzükou valley being a unique area from the rest of the places, Tsükrü mentioned that 'it is a joy to be owners and protectors of this land'. However, the invasion of humans in these unique lands have defiled it's purity, Tsükrü viewed, while observing that 'visitors are often defiling the land by throwing their trashes, littering it, and even causing fire'. 

Briefing the gathering on the initiative taken, Vimezhol Theyo, President, SAYO stated, "Each year we have been observing that the littering of Dzükou valley is increasing. Understanding the urgency, the SAYO has been making efforts to amend this. On June 5 this year, Dzükou was declared a plastic free zone. There are still so many efforts required to keep Dzükou clean again."

Theyo also noted that the Organization is also pinning its hope on the tourist guides who are the main channels to spread the awareness.