Kohima: Communities, schools, government departments, and civil society organisations across Nagaland came together on Wednesday to mark World Environment Day 2025 with a series of tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and awareness programmes.
In Kohima’s Zhadima village, more than 100 participants, including students, teachers, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, and local well-wishers, gathered at Government High School, Zhadima, to mark World Environment Day (WED) with a call to action under the theme “End Plastic Pollution.”
The event was organised by the Field Management Unit (FMU) – Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) Chiephobozou Range and the Nagaland Association for Adventure Mountaineering and Education (NAAME), in collaboration with the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB).
The programme opened with a collective pledge to minimise plastic use and promote sustainable alternatives in daily life. Delivering the keynote message, Savinuo Kikhi, Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Chiephobozou, urged students to take individual responsibility for reducing plastic waste.
Akho Phira, Team Leader of NAAME and chair of the event, spoke about the global efforts of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and outlined the ongoing Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Nagaland Forest Management Project, implemented by the state’s Forest Department.
One of the highlights of the programme was an open extempore speech competition on the theme “End Plastic Pollution”, featuring 18 student participants who spoke passionately about the environmental harm caused by plastic waste and proposed solutions ranging from policy changes to grassroots activism.
Headmaster Kekhriengulie expressed appreciation for the organisers and called on students to extend their environmental awareness to families and communities. “We must become responsible stakeholders in protecting the environment,” he said.
Neitho, Technical Executive from NSBB, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the link between biodiversity and environmental health, and advocating for sustainable coexistence.
The event concluded with a joint cleanliness and tree plantation drive around the school premises, supported by students, teachers, and SHG members. Certificates and prizes were distributed to all participants and winners of the extempore contest.
Rusoma village joined the World Environment Day 2025 celebration with a large-scale tree plantation campaign under the theme “Nurturing Environment, Securing Future”, laying the groundwork for its 50th Village Day Anniversary set to be celebrated on January 5, 2027.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Horticulture and the Department of Forest and Climate Change, and drew over 800 participants from across the village’s khels. The event commenced with a rally, followed by a dedication prayer led by Rev. Khrieo Mezhu, Pastor of CRC Rùsoma.
One of the day’s key highlights was the planting of 4,000 saplings along the village approach road, a symbolic gesture aimed at preserving the environment for future generations. Orange saplings were supplied by the Department of Horticulture, while tree saplings were provided by the Department of Forest and Climate Change.
The Village Organising Committee extended its gratitude to both departments, as well as to volunteers and institutions that took part, including 27 National Service Scheme members from Don Bosco College Kohima, students and staff from St. Stephen’s School, GPS Bawe, and Government High School Rùsoma.
In a joint statement, Organising Committee Convenor Kekhrie Pfukha and Secretary Meteitoulie Talie called on all villagers to “nurture these saplings into mature fruit trees,” aligning with the values of Ta-a Zole—a local philosophy centered on life, humanity, and duty.
In a spirited observance of World Environment Day, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) conducted a flagging-off programme under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” at the iconic Clock Tower Dimapur.
MLA and Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise Department, Moatoshi Longkumer graced the event as the special guest, where he urged the citizens of Dimapur to take collective action in protecting the planet, highlighting plastic pollution as the most pressing environmental issue in Nagaland.
Speaking at the event, Moatoshi emphasised that the biggest threat to Dimapur’s environment is the uncontrolled use of plastic, which continues to flood the city’s garbage system despite widespread awareness. “We always say no to plastic, but we still use plastic every day. This is a contradiction we must overcome,” he stated.
Stressing the global urgency to safeguard Earth, he said, “It is a global call for us to protect this planet. We have gathered here today for a specific purpose — to create a cleaner, greener Dimapur and said each and every citizen must participate.”
Chumoukedima district observed the day in the premises of the Deputy Commissioners office complex, Chumoukedima, organised by the district administration, Chumoukedima in collaboration with Chumoukedima Forest Range, Dimapur Forest Division.
On account of World Environment Day, Administration/ officers & staff under DC office and officers and staff from Treasury, Passport Seva Kendra, Veterinary office, District Land Records and survey, District Education, Forest department and 1st NAP actively participated in tree – planting, fostering a sense of collective action. A wide variety of trees were planted, encompassing different categories like fruit trees, timber trees, shade trees, beetel nut trees and coffee with the aim of increasing green cover in the DC premises. Alongside the tree planting, a social work was initiated to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote responsible behaviour.
In Mon district, a mass social work was organised by the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Tizit, with a special focus on ending plastic pollution.
The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from employees of both the government and private institutions, various offices, and residents of Tizit Town led by Ward Chairman and GBs.
Along with the rest, Pfutsero Sub-Division, Phek also observed the day by conducting social work and tree plantation in Pfutsero town. Various departments and organisations took active part in the programme.
In observation of World Environment Day, a mass social work was held at Tuensang District. The Social Work was conducted with active Participation from all the Wards, Village, Education institution, Government institution and SHGs from Tuensang district in clearing of drainage, collection of waste, clearing of Trees and bushes in and around Tuensang.
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