All attendees took the Green Pledge while holding saplings distributed during the World Environment Day 2025 programme at the DC Conference Hall on Wednesday.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | June 5
Addressing the World Environment Day 2025 programme in Mokokchung, retired IAS officer and social activist LH Thangi Mannen called for renewed and sustained efforts to combat plastic pollution, stressing that the necessary awareness and institutional groundwork already exist in Mokokchung.
The event was organised by the Mokokchung District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”, with the local slogan “Let’s Beat Plastic for a Greener Mokokchung” at the DC Conference Hall on June 5.
Speaking on the global theme, the former Commissioner & Secretary, Mannen, underscored that plastic waste is not merely an environmental issue but a deeply personal and immediate concern. “Each and every one of us is a pollution generator,” she stated. “We use plastic from the cradle to the grave. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to acknowledge our role and take responsibility.”
Highlighting her long-standing engagement with various stakeholders in Mokokchung—including civil society groups, NGOs, the YWCA, and the Forest Department—Mannen remarked that the town has made significant strides in environmental awareness over the years. “The way is already set. It only requires a little more effort to make tangible progress,” she said, urging residents and institutions to move beyond rhetoric and take practical steps.
Mannen stressed the importance of improving plastic waste management practices at the community level, implicitly advocating for waste segregation as a critical first step.
She presented facts about the impact of plastic pollution on human health and the environment, noting that microplastics have been found in soil, water sources, rainfall, and even inside the human body—including the heart, placenta, breast milk, and brain. “These are not distant or abstract consequences,” she warned. “We are witnessing an increase in heart-related conditions among young adults, hormonal imbalances, and infertility—all of which are linked to plastic toxicity.”
Citing research, she noted that over 16,000 chemicals are used in plastic production, with more than 4,200 classified as highly hazardous to both human health and the environment. “These are synthetic, man-made compounds that our bodies and ecosystems cannot process,” she said.
Mannen emphasized that effective change does not require major innovations but rather consistent, community-level engagement. “We already have the knowledge and the networks in place. What is needed now is the will to act—at home, in schools, in churches, and in public offices,” she stated.
She called for local bodies, including wards and villages, to adopt systematic approaches to handling plastic waste, thereby reducing environmental harm and enabling more effective recycling and disposal. “The solutions are within reach. With just a little more effort, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Mokokchung,” she affirmed.
In his address as special guest, Nuklutoshi, MLA and Chairman, DPDB Mokokchung, urged the citizens of Mokokchung to lead the charge in ending plastic pollution and embracing a sustainable future.
“Today isn’t just another Environment Day celebration. Today, Mokokchung takes a bold step towards becoming plastic-free!” he declared.
He spoke about the “Trade Waste for Green” initiative—a monthly campaign requiring all departments, schools, and colleges to deposit segregated plastic waste at the Mokokchung Municipal Council’s (MMC) Material Recovery Facility (MRF). In exchange, participants will receive saplings.
“Every great change begins with small steps—and consistency is key,” Nuklutoshi said. “Real change doesn’t come from speeches like this—it comes from actions like yours.”
He also introduced a quarterly Green Champion Award for the department that collects the highest volume of segregated plastic. Additionally, departments will compete by presenting five-minute pitches on innovative ways to repurpose collected waste—beyond simply selling it out of state.
“Can we imagine using our own waste to build Mokokchung’s next green landmark?” he asked, challenging departments to innovate toward a circular economy.
The roadmap includes regular waste audits, public sharing of data, and broad-based community involvement to ensure transparency and accountability. Nuklutoshi also underscored the larger vision: decentralized recycling units, energy-from-waste systems, and replacing single-use plastics with locally produced eco-friendly alternatives.
Other speakers included TN Mannen (IAS Retd.), Advisor, Law & Justice and Land Revenue, who graced the occasion as special invitee; Tianaro Jamir, President of Watsü Mungdang emphasized individual responsibility in combating plastic use; Lanuakum, Deputy Chairman of Mokokchung Municipal Council, provided insights into current urban waste management efforts; and Er Hebo Zhumomi, Executive Engineer, PHED, focused on addressing the challenges of plastic pollution in rural areas.
In closing, Dr Sentitula, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Mokokchung, administered the Green Pledge.
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