Nagaland takes a stand against plastic pollution on World Environment Day

Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 5 

Nagaland joined the global community in observing World Environment Day on Thursday with various programmes held across districts, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental stewardship. The World Environment Day 2025 focuses on combating plastic pollution.

Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, addressing a programme at Peren district headquarters organized by the Forest Department, Peren Division, said it is the “bounded duty of every citizen to protect the environment.” He called for a collective effort to combat all forms of environmental pollution and said the observance of the Day should serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to safeguard nature.

Stating that while plastic has its utilities, its detrimental impact on the environment is far greater, Zeliang stressed that “ending plastic pollution is a critical challenge” and must be addressed through united action. Highlighting that Peren district is known as the “Green District,” he urged residents to uphold this identity by contributing actively towards ecological conservation.

Zeliang also called for more planned and sustainable townships across Nagaland, adding that Peren district headquarters, envisioned as a model township, should serve as an example for other districts. The day’s programme included mass tree plantations in and around the headquarters, while a backhoe machine donated by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) was handed over to the district administration.

In Shamator, the World Environment Day programme was observed at the Cultural Hall, organized by the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) in collaboration with the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). The event brought together participants from Shamator, Tuensang, and Noklak districts, including community leaders, village councils, and women representatives.

Deputy Commissioner of Shamator, Chubatemjen, who attended as the special guest, expressed concern over the continued use of plastics despite national bans. “We have failed in implementation. If we want real change, we must start from ourselves—our families, our homes,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Tuensang Divisional Forest Officer, Samom Khellen Singh, emphasized the inseparable link between biodiversity conservation and human survival. He warned about the risks of microplastics and toxic emissions from burning plastics, calling for strict segregation and proper waste management.

A highlight of the event was a session by Imlikumba, Senior Project Manager at FES, who simplified key environmental concepts such as biodiversity, stewardship, and commons. He stressed that strong community engagement is vital to sustainable conservation.

The programme also featured a historical overview of NCCAF, interactive sessions, and discussions on the role of communities in biodiversity preservation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Peleno Secü, Assistant Information Secretary of NCCAF.

Meanwhile, the State Environment & Forestry Training Institute (SEFTI), Dimapur, marked the occasion by conducting a widespread awareness campaign across ten schools in the city. Aimed at sensitizing schoolchildren on the environmental hazards of plastic, the sessions were led by forest guard trainees as part of their six-month professional training.

The campaign educated over 1,500 students on different plastic grades under the Resin Identification Code system, their decomposition timelines, and the harmful consequences of improper disposal. Focus was placed on the problems caused by single-use plastics (SUP), already banned in the state, and their role in urban drainage blockages and soil contamination.

The outreach also included tree plantation drives under the national theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, with active participation from students, teachers, and SEFTI faculty, including Imti Tongdang and Sosinle.

The Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, marked World Environment Day 2025 with a series of activities from June 2 to 5 to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

Events included a cleanliness drive focusing on plastic waste removal, slogan and poster competitions for students, and a nature walk led by Zoo Director Dr C Zupeni Tsanglai, IFS. Students also took part in a plastic pick-up challenge and were awarded for their efforts.

On June 5, a concluding event held at the zoo’s conference hall featured prize distribution and a speech by Dr Tsanglai on plastic pollution and conservation. NCC cadets joined a plantation drive, while saplings were distributed to students to promote long-term environmental responsibility. The program ended with a pledge by students to work towards ending plastic pollution.

At Manglumukh, a culmination programme of a two-week celebration by Intanki National Park and Eco-Clubs of fringe villages saw the constitution of “Stewards of Intanki” — a youth-led initiative to champion conservation efforts in areas surrounding the park. Cleanliness and awareness drives were conducted in schools and villages throughout the campaign.

In Kohima, a plantation drive was held on June 3 at the Legislature Quarters in Thizama, spearheaded by Environment, Forest & Climate Change Minister CL John and supported by the Kohima Forest Division and Village Guards. Emphasizing the theme, the minister urged for collective and consistent efforts against plastic pollution, stating that tree planting must become a sustained habit, not a one-time event.

Government Higher Secondary School, Longleng, also marked the day with a sensitization programme featuring Dr. Imsongienla, an epidemiologist, who linked environmental degradation to public health risks. Students later participated in a plantation drive tied to a symbolic initiative promoting the birth of girl children, reinforcing messages of nurturing and sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Japukong Kaketshir Mungdang (JKM) mobilized villages across the Japukong Range in coordinated plastic clean-up drives. Community members identified polluted zones and conducted mass clean-up efforts, reflecting a grassroots movement for environmental responsibility. JKM reaffirmed its commitment to inspire broader action against plastic pollution.

At Kohima Science College, the Department of Geography, in collaboration with Nature’s Club and the Green Initiative Team, hosted lectures, cleanliness and plantation drives. Keynote speaker Shevito Theyo urged students to avoid single-use plastics and embrace sustainable habits. Around 100 fruit saplings were planted during the drive, with support from the Forest Department.

In Tobu, Newman Higher Secondary School conducted a student-led procession, mime performance, town-wide cleanliness drive, and a plantation activity. A painting competition and dustbin installations also featured as part of the initiative. Principal Rev. Fr. Solomon called for year-round commitment to eco-conscious living, while over 800 students participated in the activities.

In Dimapur, Altrura Society, in collaboration with the Chümoukedima Forest Range, distributed saplings to educational institutions to promote eco-awareness. BJP Wokha Unit, with forest officials and students, planted over 2,000 ornamental trees across public institutions.

At GMS Sangtamtilla, students led a rally and sensitized the local church on plastic pollution, distributing eco-friendly bags and cleaning their school campus. In Meluri, a joint program by the District Administration and NSS Meluri featured speeches on plastic hazards and deforestation, followed by a jungle clearance and tree plantation.

Rotary Club Kohima organized a plantation drive at Cradle Ridge involving tailoring trainees and children, while Sao Chang College Tuensang and Zisaji Presidency College Kiphire planted saplings on their campuses and hosted essay competitions.

Tsiesema Basa Baptist Church held a plantation drive along highways as part of its Golden Jubilee, with every household contributing a tree. V&V Club Kohima, in partnership with the Tourism Department, planted trees at Kisama with participation from public leaders.

Eden HSS Dimapur celebrated with poster-making, essay contests, and a campus cleanliness drive led by Eco Club members. The Khiamniungan Students’ Union Dimapur celebrated World Environment Day 2025 under the theme "Rooting The Future: Plant Today, Prosper Tomorrow" at Mele Nok on June 5.

Koinonia Baptist School observed World Environment Day at its campus under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” A teacher, Medohunuo, emphasized the importance of environmental protection and reducing plastic use in daily life. Students participated in a tree plantation drive, and a painting competition was held for Classes 1 to 5 to creatively express anti-plastic messages. Winners included Mezhütuolie (Class 1), Eunice (Class 2), Khaihrüne Domeh (Class 3), Neithozo Mekro (Class 4), and Hitoka (Class 5).

The Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS) Office, Wokha, in collaboration with the DFO Office, organized a tree plantation drive under the slogan “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” to promote environmental awareness among cooperatives.

Members of Arumotchu Agri & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., Nzantio MPCS Ltd., and New Wokha IMPCS Ltd. participated in the drive, with 1,000 saplings planted along the Wokha-Mokokchung highway and in their areas of operation.

ARCS Wokha called on cooperative societies to take a proactive role in promoting environmental consciousness within their communities.

The NSS and Eco Club of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research observed World Environment Day with a tree plantation and campus clean-up under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”

Students and faculty planted fruit-bearing trees and cleaned the campus to promote sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Toli H. Kiba emphasized that environmental stewardship must be a daily commitment. Linking her message to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, she called for reduced plastic use, energy conservation, and a shift toward green living.

The Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) under the Department of Planning & Transformation, in collaboration with Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School (RGHSS), Kohima, organised a plogging drive on Wednesday to mark World Environment Day.

The event, held from High School Junction to the RGHSS campus, saw active participation from SDG Youth Ambassadors, Eco Club members, NSS volunteers, the NSS Programme Officer and teachers of the school.

The initiative aimed to reaffirm collective commitment to environmental action and promote sustainable practices.

Addressing the participants, Deputy Development Commissioner Heinswading said plogging—a combination of jogging and picking up litter—symbolises how small, consistent actions can drive significant change.

“Every piece of litter we pick up today is a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable community,” he said, adding that young people are not just the future but active leaders of change today.

Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, observed World Environment Day 2025 under the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution” with a programme featuring speeches, performances, and student competitions.

Guest speaker Dr Neilazonuo Khruomo of Don Bosco College urged students to adopt eco-friendly habits and stressed the importance of awareness and action against plastic pollution.

Highlights included a skit, song, thematic reflections, and the presentation of the Cleanest Classroom Award. Students also participated in poster-making, drawing, and social work activities to promote environmental responsibility. The school reiterated its commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness.

Peace Club members of Government Middle School, Niuland, marked World Environment Day 2025 by establishing a “Peace Garden” on the school campus to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.

The student-led initiative saw the planting of seasonal vegetables and flowering plants like tomatoes, chillies, sunflowers and marigolds, creating a vibrant green space symbolising harmony with nature.

The school administration lauded the effort and plans to integrate composting, seasonal planting and environmental education into the garden’s upkeep, turning it into a long-term eco-learning hub.

The event concluded with a pledge by students to protect and nurture the environment, reinforcing the club’s mission of peace, empathy and ecological responsibility.

Immanuel College, Dimapur, observed World Environment Day 2025 on the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution” at its auditorium, led by the Eco Club and NSS Unit.

Yanathung Kithan, Scientist-B, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, served as the resource person and spoke on the urgency of effective waste management. He noted that Nagaland generates 25,000 to 30,000 tons of waste daily, with plastic packaging contributing significantly to microplastic pollution.

He stressed the importance of waste segregation, reduction, reuse and recycling, and urged citizens to take personal responsibility for managing their waste. Public participation and active roles by Urban Local Bodies, he added, are essential for sustainable waste solutions.

The event included a welcome address by Principal Dr Th Sharatchandra Singh, a special song by Shellen T. Konyak, and concluded with a vote of thanks by NSS Programme Officer Angap Konyak.

The PHED Rural Division, Dimapur, observed World Environment Day 2025 with activities themed “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” including an art and craft competition, river cleanup, and tree plantation drives.

At Highland Hall Higher Secondary School, 102 students took part in a “Trash to Treasure” competition, creating art and fashion from plastic waste. Seven participants, including the top three winners, received cash prizes.

A river cleanup drive was conducted at Daddi River, Niuland’s main water source, where plastic waste was collected and safely disposed of by PHED staff led by SDO Toshika Sema. A tree plantation drive followed at the Water Treatment Plant in Ghotovi village, with 50 saplings planted.

DMC launches campaign to end plastic pollution
DIMAPUR, JUNE 5 (MExN): The Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) flagged off a campaign to tackle plastic pollution under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” at Clock Tower, Dimapur, on World Environment Day.

MLA and Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, urged citizens to take collective action against plastic waste, calling it the biggest environmental threat in the city. “We say no to plastic but still use it daily — this contradiction must end,” he said.

Moatoshi called on residents, institutions, and businesses to join the movement toward making Dimapur plastic-free. He also appealed to civil society and youth to lead by example and highlighted government efforts addressing environmental challenges. DMC Chairperson Hukheto Yepthomi delivered the welcome address, while CEO Thungchanbemo Tungoe chaired the event.