Volunteers take part in cleanliness drive at Dzükou Valley, Nagaland initiated by Southern Angami Youth Organization as part of the Earth Day observation on April 22.
SAYO undertakes cleanliness drive in Dzükou valley to commemorate Earth Day
Morung Express news
Kohima | April 22
A cleanliness drive at Dzükou Valley, Nagaland was initiated by Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) as part of the Earth Day observation on April 22.
Speaking during the kick off ceremony held at Jakhama village in the morning, Conservator of Forest, Southern Territorial Sector, Kohima Zuthunglo Patton, IFS, called to make the valley free from plastic pollution which was rampant despite the efforts being undertaken.
Keeping in mind the stretch and size of the valley, she also appreciated the Union for strategically planning out the cleanliness drive by mobilizing the youths and NSS volunteers.
Patton cited on the importance of taking up initiatives in keeping the precious valley clean while adding that it has to go beyond the task of not just taking it as an opportunity to clean but a kind of exposure to help built more concern and confidence among individuals.
In this regard, the Forest Conservator also highlighted that World economic Forum World Risk Report of 2025 has identified that out of top 10 risks the world is facing, 5 of them are environmentally related including extreme weather conditions, loss of Biodiversity among others.
In this regard, Patton called from collective efforts while noting that everyone plays different roles for instance one was that the Forest Department are tasked with the role of creating awareness and sensitization for general populace.
Speaking on the theme of Earth Day, she said so many people across the globe are observing various programme to mark the day. She said this year as the theme suggest, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ it calls for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.
The forest conservator said it is time to open our eyes and need to realize that the time is now to take action and not to postpone it or shove responsibility to environmentalist or government officials
She lauded SAYO for taking the lead in organizing an activity which showcases the commitment and responsibility towards protecting our planet.
Patton further asserted that this is the only planet that we have and there is no other planet where living creatures can survive and our survival on this earth depends on how we actually lead our lives where each one of us can do our part in different ways.
SAYO President Zasitsolie Beio, while delivering the keynote address noted that care for Dzükou is not a one day affair but a lifelong process and commitment.
He reiterated that the initiative of Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) found support from Earth Day Network, a global environment NGO that grew out of the first Earth Day (April 22, 1970) and engages with over 50,000 organizations in around 190 countries in 2019 for its efforts in preserving the valley.
“Today is a remembrance of that event, and the continuity of the work which has been catering since time immemorial,” he said while adding that the day is being observed to protect, preserve and honour the majestic sacredness of our land, Dzükou valley.
Each bit of litter we remove is a step towards restoring the valley to its pristine beauty, Beio said.
The SAYO President also acknowledged the department of Forest for support and the Youths and volunteers.
During the drive, Volunteers from the Southern Angami villages and NSS volunteers from St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama were divided into different points to collect wastes.
The programme was sponsored by District Forest Office, Kohima.
