24 villages under Pughoboto plant 17000 saplings
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 5
In a bid to protect nature and help minimize the effects of climate change, 24 villages under Pughoboto sub-division of Zunheboto district today came in unison and planted 17,000 tree saplings.
Different species of trees planted include Gold Mohur, Silver Oak, Nahor, Ashoka, Bottle Brush and other ornamental trees.
This massive tree plantation drive is part of the ‘Green Pughoboto project,’ initiated by Minister for Roads & Bridges, Y Vikheho Swu under the Local Area Development Project 2016-17 along with the Sub-divisional administration.
“Nature is the greatest gift of God to mankind and therefore we should plant trees to protect the nature,” said Swu. “Even if we have wealth and good health but fail to protect the nature, everything will be destroyed,” he added. The Minister cited the recent unseasonal heavy showers, thunderstorms, hailstones causing massive destruction to buildings and damaging crops in the state as effects of climate change.
Appealing people to stop felling of trees and to protect the eco-system, Swu encouraged everyone to plant at least ten trees if they cut one tree.
Swu said through ‘Green Pughoboto’ “we want to communicate the very importance of planting trees and to promoting a healthy environment.”
Expounding on the benefits of planting trees, he said, “Trees provide oxygen, food, habitats for animals and also helps in recharging ground water level and prevention of soil erosion. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing in natural elements and also create an aesthetically pleasing and peaceful environment.”
The Minister also urged the citizens to nurture the plants until they attain maturity. Informing that he will periodically visit the places where trees have been planted, he further disclosed that those who preserve the plants properly will get award.
Pughoboto Additional Deputy Commissioner, Avelu Ruho stressed on the need to minimize the practice of shifting cultivation so as to bring sustainability for agricultural outputs and facilitate conducive environment for the people.
