ANTA Wokha Unit undertook a large-scale cleanup drive across the Tzuza Eru areas, Doyang. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | November 18
The All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Wokha Unit observed its raising day-cum-annual picnic on November 18 at “My Resort” in Tzuza Eru, Pangti, turning the celebration into a meaningful act of service by promoting a plastic-free environment through a large-scale cleanup drive across the Tzuza Eru areas, Doyang.
Organised by the Sungro Range Taxi Owners and Drivers, the event combined festivity, community bonding, and environmental commitment. Despite their demanding daily schedules, Wokha ANTA Unit members dedicated time not only to celebrate but also to contribute positively to society by undertaking a two-day cleanliness campaign.
In an effort to encourage sustainable habits, ANTA Wokha Unit launched a cleanup drive on November 17, a day before the main event. The drive concluded on November 18, aligning with the Raising Day celebration. Volunteers collected plastic waste, rubber items, and discarded materials from various points along the Doyang, reflecting the association’s growing concern over pollution in the area.
Addressing the media, ANTA Wokha Unit President, T Renbemo Kikon shared that while Raising Day is traditionally a time for celebration, this year the association chose to give greater importance to environmental responsibility.
He noted that the team had observed “huge amounts of waste, plastic, rubber objects and other materials accumulating at Doyang,” which prompted them to turn their celebration into a cleanup effort.
Kikon informed that around 130 registered members took part in the initiative.
“Although our foundation day is on November 18, we began the cleanliness drive from 17 November, covering different areas around Doyang. The level of waste here is very discouraging,” he said.
He further added that this effort is only the beginning, “From today onwards, we will continue to encourage our taxi counters, villages, and the wider community to keep our surroundings clean and practise proper waste disposal.”
ANTA Wokha Unit General Secretary, Lipenthung Ovung emphasised that maintaining cleanliness at the Doyang River is a shared responsibility across districts. He acknowledged local resort owners and villagers for placing waste bins and urged visitors to make use of them instead of littering.
He further appealed to the government to step in with long-term solutions.
“If the taxi association can collect this amount of waste in just two days, I believe the government can do much more. We request the authorities to come up with strategies, especially for recycling and waste management,” he said.
The annual picnic featured cultural and recreational activities, including a lucky draw, tug-of-war, live music and more, bringing together members in a spirit of unity and celebration. The event also highlighted the association’s commitment to social responsibility alongside their daily hard work.
By turning their Raising Day into a platform for environmental awareness, ANTA Wokha Unit showcased a commendable initiative that not only strengthened community ties but also contributed meaningfully to the preservation of the Doyang ecosystem.
