Dimapur, June 6 (MExN): Organisations, educational institutions, government bodies and civil society groups across Nagaland observed World Environment Day 2026 on June 5 with tree plantation drives, awareness programmes and community outreach activities under the global theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future."
The observances, held simultaneously across several districts saw widespread participation from students, government officials, farmers, legal professionals and community members.
Dimapur 24/7, under the leadership of Chairperson Annie Jain, distributed 111 plant saplings to local educational institutions and traffic police personnel across the city. The team visited The Maple Tree School and Eden Higher Secondary School before taking to the streets to hand over saplings to traffic police personnel in recognition of their service.
The ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) organised a tree plantation programme at its office campus in River Belt Colony, where every staff member contributed a fruit tree sapling. Addressing the gathering, HR Manager and Director of Trainings and Programmes Dr Anna Lungbila Bibiana emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.
Salesian College of Higher Education organised a tree and fruit plantation drive under the "Plant4Mother – Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, with participation from NCC, NSS, Eco Club members and Salesian Cooperators.
NPF Central Minority Wing conducted a tree plantation drive and cleanliness campaign in Dimapur Town and at the Ramakrishna Society Complex, Duncan. Central Minority Wing President Bishnu Bhattacharjee highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and collective social responsibility.
Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, in collaboration with the High Court Bar Association (HCBA), organised a fruit tree plantation drive at the New High Court Complex, Meriema. Over 40 members of HCBA and legal services staff participated. Fruit trees including persimmon, avocado, orange, apple, guava, pears and nectarine were planted. Member Secretary Neiko Akami, NJS, urged participants not only to plant trees but also to nurture and protect them for future generations.
Nagaland University observed the day with formal programmes and plantation drives across its campuses. At Headquarters Lumami, the programme was chaired by Prof Ashutosh Tripathi. A video message from Vice-Chancellor Prof J K Patnaik encouraged the younger generation to protect the environment. At Kohima Campus, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof N Venuh emphasised that environmental responsibility goes beyond planting saplings. At Medziphema Campus, the School of Agricultural Sciences organised a plantation drive under the "Plant4Mother" campaign, jointly organised by NSS, Eco-Club and the Campus Beautification Committee.
Department of School Education under the Nagaland Education Project-The Lighthouse (NECTAR) observed the day at all Lighthouse School Complex (LSC) campuses across the state. Commissioner and Secretary of School Education Kevileno Angami, who attended the celebration at LSC GHSS Kigwema, noted that climate change is now visibly affecting Nagaland due to deforestation, developmental activities and lifestyle changes. She urged students and teachers to adopt sustainable practices as a way of life rather than as mere activities.
Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), in partnership with the Chümoukedima Forest Department, organised a tree-planting event at its new campus. Principal Dr Thepfuvilie Pierü announced the college's goal of planting one lakh indigenous trees in and around the campus. Range Officer Kevi Chopi stressed that access to clean water is increasingly under threat and called on participants to amplify the drive on social media using #NowForNature.
North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) marked the day through its IQAC in collaboration with NSS, NCC and Green Club. NCC cadets prepared eco-friendly paper bags from used newspapers and distributed them to neighbouring shops and vendors, while NSS organised a photography competition based on the day's theme.
Care-Centre for Environment and Rural Poor (C-CERP), with the support of the District Forest Department/DMU Peren and in collaboration with Mhainamtsi Village Council, Jalukie, organised a plantation programme with over 50 participants comprising village council members, youth, women, volunteers and C-CERP staff. The event was held under the slogan, "Our Mother Earth has been taking care of us; we must also take care of her."
World Environment Day was observed at Government Higher Secondary School, Meluri, jointly organised by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), the Village Council of Meluri, the Forest Department (Phek Forest Division) and the Divisional Management Unit (DMU) of the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP-JICA). A total of 188 participants attended, including 158 students and 18 teachers. Twenty saplings were planted as part of a plantation drive.
EAC Meluri Zuchibemo Ezung (NCS) called for moving beyond commitments to concrete climate action, while SDPO Meluri Dr T Desela Sangtam warned that inaction could result in severe consequences including water scarcity and soil erosion.
ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun observed the day with 28 Mithun farmers from Mirem village. Fodder plant saplings were distributed to participating farmers to promote ecological restoration in forest-fringe areas.
The National Service Scheme of Jubilee Memorial College, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Science, organised an awareness programme addressing challenges such as pollution, global warming and climate change.
Charis High Academy marked its sixth consecutive World Environment Day with a plantation drive and inter-house competitions. Vice Principal Chubasenla Jamir called environmental stewardship a fundamental moral duty for the incoming generation.
