Hornbill 2019 aims for zero waste

A coordination meeting for Hornbill festival was held in Kohima on November 6. (Moung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 6

In view of the upcoming Hornbill festival 2019, a coordination meeting took place here today between the Tourism Department, Art & Culture and tribal hohos to discuss on issues like management of morungs, cultural troupes, accommodation, transportation etc.

The Hornbill Festival 2019 will start from December 1 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

To a ensure plastic free and zero waste Hornbill Festival 2019, the Tourism Department requested the tribal Hohos to extend their cooperation.

LH Thangi Mannen, Convenor of Zero Waste Himalayan, Nagaland (ZWHN) said that Zero Waste is all about complete reduction of single use plastic items such as PET bottles, Styrofoam (thermocol)/ Plastic utensils (plates/ spoons/ forks/ straws, cups), multilayered plastics of food packaging, plastic bags, PP bags, plastic gift warps etc. 

“This would also include plastic decorations, flex banners and volunteer identity cards. The reduction is followed by segregation for recovering resources and responsible disposal and no burning,” she told the meeting. She further insisted on restricting packaged drinking water in food stalls or anywhere in the venue.

Mannen urged tribal hohos to ensure boiled and filtered water/dispensers (adequate quantity) are made available in convenient locations in sufficient number, and that reusable bottles and bamboo mugs be provided to visitors.

Regarding food stalls and other stalls, she viewed that local food cultures be promoted, while restricting use of plastic wraps. Further she called for curtailment of packaged food products, while encouraging the use of reusable utensils. 

Menukhol John, Principal Secretary for School Education and SCERT Nagaland meanwhile requested the tribal Hohos to keep their respective morungs clean and also maintain its originality. “Let it (morung) be the window to your tribe,” he said.

Seeking support and cooperation from all the tribal hohos, Tourism Director, Akhale Vizol said that all efforts will be made for the success of the festival. She urged the tribal hohos to renovate their respective morungs at the earliest as desired by the Chief Minister.

Responding to the suggestions arrived at the meeting, she said that the best morung will be awarded handsomely.
Akhale also urged the tribal hohos to use traditional music instead of western music in their morungs.

Meanwhile, the department asked all tribal hohos to submit a written description of their respective tribes at the earliest.