Call for a green economy
DIMAPUR, APRIL 22 (MExN): Nagaland joined the rest of the world to observe the 43rd Earth Day on April 22. The Nagaland Forest Department held a programme to mark the event at the Botanical Garden, Kohima. The event was held to create awareness on the deteriorating condition of the planet and to call for a concerted effort to curb environmental problems.
Speaking on the occasion, the Forest Minister, Y Patton, stated that over the past century, the world has fallen into a pattern of unsustainable economic growth. He lamented that in efforts to support current lifestyles, the planet’s resources are getting exhausted, further leading to climate change. He expounded on the need to have a “green economy” to not only sustain humanity but the planet as well. “It has the potential to generate millions of jobs as we develop new technologies,” he added.
The Minister warned of the continuous deterioration of forest cover in the state and stated that it could lead to extinction of plant species. The indiscriminate felling of trees, poaching and killing of wildlife and unplanned development are creating problems,” he added.
He also informed that as per scientific reports, Nagaland is vulnerable to climate change. He also stressed on the water scarcity problem in the state and expounded on the need to address the issue.
Patton also stressed on Jhum cultivation practiced in the state. He stated that after the jhum harvest, vast stretches of jhumland in Nagaland lie idle for a minimum of 8 years without producing any agriculture crops. “These vast stretches can be planted which will produce timber, and provide livelihood to our village communities and plants planted in fallow areas will act as carbon sink,” he added.
He added that the need of the hour is to create awareness amongst all stakeholders. “It is only collectively that we can protect the environment,” he stated. While encourage the people to plant trees, the Minister expressed hope that everyone would take the ‘Green Pledge.’
He proposed the creation of “green schools, green homes and green offices.” “Let us come together to celebrate Earth Day and pledge to save earth,” he exclaimed.
Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, M. Lokeswara Rao welcomed the gathering and introduced a brief history of Earth day and its importance. L. Kire, Principal Secretary Department of Forests, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife, while speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of Earth Day and appealed to create awareness among all stake holders to protect the environment of Nagaland.
Later in the event, the Chief Guest distributed awards to various eco clubs while the ‘Green Pledge’ was administered by Lokeswara Roa. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by I Panger Jamir. A press note informed that the event was attended by officials from the Forest department, school children, NGOs and other stakeholders.
It may be noted that more than one billion people worldwide participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance anywhere in the world. The thereme for this year’s event was ‘The face of climate change.’
