District Administration, Kohima, in collaboration with the Kohima Press Club, organized a one-day workshop on the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) at the DC’s Conference Hall on September 12.
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 12
The District Administration, Kohima, in collaboration with the Kohima Press Club, organized a one-day workshop on the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) at the DC’s Conference Hall on September 12.
Yanathung Kithan, Scientist ‘B’ of the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) and the main speaker, highlighted the various sources of air pollution and their adverse impact on health. He identified dust from bad roads, burning of waste, vehicular emissions, construction and demolition waste, and sand stockyards as primary contributors to air pollution in the city.
Kithan informed that NPCB has been monitoring air quality in Kohima since 2016, operating 39 manual and one Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) across the state. In Kohima, ambient air monitoring covers NST office, PWD junction, High School junction, Upper Midland, and Forest, spanning three residential and two commercial areas.
Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem expressed concern over pollution in the capital and urged that urbanization should not disturb Kohima’s natural ecology. He emphasized the role of media as the fourth pillar of democracy in shaping public perception, ensuring accountability, and promoting civic responsibility through informed reporting. “Use accessible language, visuals, and infographics to reach all segments of society and provoke public discourse,” he advised.
Buchem called upon media personnel to turn awareness into action, policy into practice, and data into decisions, stressing that collective collaboration can help maintain Kohima’s air quality for future generations.
KPC President Alice Yhoshü highlighted that the Supreme Court recognizes a clean environment as a fundamental right, placing responsibility on the government and citizens alike. She stressed that efforts for clean air must be a continuous, collaborative endeavor involving departments, organizations, and the public. “It is concerning that Kohima faces pollution even without industries or factories emitting harmful pollutants,” she noted.
The programme also featured a keynote address by Dr Riku Khutso, EAC, and was chaired by KPC General Secretary Rita Krocha. Narayan Bahadur delivered the vote of thanks.
