A section of the participants.
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 (MExN): The Hornbill Run: Against Time was held on December 7 as part of the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival. Organized by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland, in collaboration with several partners, the run aimed to celebrate the Hornbill’s ecological and cultural importance while raising awareness about its declining population.
The 5.4-kilometer race began at New Police Reserve Junction, Phesama, and concluded at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. Dharmendra Prakash IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Nagaland, flagged off the event, while Supongnukshi IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (EBR), administered the participant pledge.
In his address during the prize distribution at Kisama, Dharmendra Prakash lauded the diverse turnout and commended the youth’s enthusiasm, noting their role in ensuring the conservation message endures for future generations. He emphasized the Hornbill’s vital role in Nagaland’s cultural heritage and discussed the bird’s habitat loss and declining population, calling for collective action to address the issue.
Supongnukshi IFS echoed these sentiments, linking the Hornbill’s decline to broader ecological concerns. He reflected on how the loss of species such as Hornbills signals ecosystem imbalances, urging sustainable resource use and greater attention to conservation across the region.
Dr. Aparajita Datta, Scientist with the Nature Conservation Foundation and Co-Chair (Asia) of the IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group, highlighted the threat faced by the five Hornbill species native to Northeast India. She expressed optimism that initiatives like the Hornbill Run would continue fostering awareness and collaborative efforts toward the bird’s conservation.
The event witnessed speeches from other dignitaries, including Secretary of Industries & Commerce, Shanavas C, IAS, and Ramana, IPS 2021 Batch, as well as Major Vijay Singh from the Assam Rifles’ Maram Battalion, who all encouraged participants to support environmental and ecological sustainability.
Results & Winners
The female category was led by Tsuchoi T, who completed the 5.4 km in 25.44 minutes, followed by Niansai T (26.20 minutes) and Songmo P (27.30 minutes). Cekrotalu Khesoh and Vekholhulu secured the fourth and fifth positions.
In the male category, Wede T Mero clinched first place with a time of 19.57 minutes, followed by Tsole Yhokha (20.44 minutes) and Shiangjiu T Khiamniungan (21.00 minutes). Sochiu S and Wangnao rounded out the top five.
Special awards were presented to Khughavi Sema, 54, as the oldest participant and 13-year-old Helen as the youngest runner. Prizes included medals, cash, and certificates, all distributed by officials from the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Nagaland. Every participant also received a medal and certificate for their contribution to conservation awareness.
A total of 266 participants from various backgrounds, including organizations, churches, NGOs, and government departments, joined the event. The program was chaired by Smt. Zuthunglo Patton IFS and featured a prayer of blessing by Rev. Vesotsu Rakho from the Union Baptist Church Kohima. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Chisayi Vadeo IFS, DFO Kohima.
The event’s success was made possible through partnerships with several organizations, including the Nagaland Forest Management Project, Tourism Department, IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group, Nature Conservation Foundation, Eco Warriors, and others. These partners shared a unified goal of fostering conservation awareness and supporting the Hornbill’s survival in Nagaland’s forests.
