Minister CL John at the World Environment Day event organised by Nagaland Zoological Park on June 5. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 5
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CL John, called for training focus to the growing menace of plastic pollution. Speaking at a World Environment Day event organised by the Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP), on June 5, John stressed the need to take immediate action to remove and reduce plastic usage. He urged the audience to embark on this mission “starting from today, taking small steps towards a plastic-free future.”
The focus of this year’s World Environment Day is on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign slogan: Beat Plastic Pollution.
Further underscoring the connection between climate and human well-being, he discouraged what he said were harmful farming practices like jhum cultivation and jungle burning. He urged farmers to actively replace any trees that have been burned, ensuring the sustainability of forest resources. He laid emphasis on education and awareness in motivating citizens to actively participate in tree plantation initiatives while curbing rampant hunting and fishing activities
“Our people have caused harm to our own environment, and as a consequence, we are now suffering.” “We have to protect and preserve the existing trees and forest,” he said, while stressing on making a push towards responsible farming methods.
NZP Director, C Zupeni Tsanglai, highlighted the measures taken by the zoo authority to discourage plastic use.
According to her, the NZP has in place a no plastic policy in the zoo premises. She said that visitors are made to keep disposable plastic, including food packets, at the entrance gate.
NZP, at present, is home to 355 wildlife species, including 10 endangered mammal species. It is also home to an estimated 216 species of butterflies and has become a hotspot for bird lovers.
Commemorating the annual event, the NZP also organised sustainability-themed painting and innovative product-making from recycled materials competitions for schools. In the painting completion (for Class 8-12)— a painting by Monish Biswas of GMS, United colony, Dimapur) was adjudged the winner, followed by Saptami Singha of St Paul Higher Secondary School and Lomitoli Jakhalu of NN Nagi School in second and third positions, respectively.
Dime Lions of Hope Academy was adjudged winner in the innovative product-making competition. Juviana Achumi of Eden Higher Secondary School was second, followed by Phushikali of Hope Academy in third.
