World Environment Day 2026 was observed at the NSSA Park, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, under the aegis of the Eco & Beautification club and NSSA. The programme was graced by, Home Commissioner, Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha, IAS.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha spoke on the importance of protecting the environment and the growing impact of climate change. He noted that while development depends on natural resources, overconsumption has put increasing pressure on nature’s ability to replenish itself, leading to environment challenges that are now visible around the world.
Emphasizing that collective effort, however small, can make a significant difference in protecting the environment. Sinha urged people, especially the younger generation, to adopt sustainable habits and make small meaningful changes in their daily lives, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and using public transport whenever possible.
Calling for action beyond annual observance, He encouraged participants to take personal responsibility for environmental conservation and to pass on eco-friendly practices to future generations.
The programme also featured the distribution of free plants and seeds along with stalls and eco-friendly products and initiatives.
Meanwhile, World Environment Day was also observed at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Kohima, organised by the District Administration Kohima and SANKALP–District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the District Agriculture Office, Kohima.
Delivering the special address, DC Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS called upon citizens to make responsible choices for environmental sustainability. He said students play a crucial role in spreading awareness on climate change and environmental conservation and encouraged them to become ambassadors of change in their communities.
Speaking on the significance of World Environment Day, the DC highlighted five important choices that every individual faces in life. He said people must choose whether to be consumers or conservers, predators or protectors, selfish or selfless, destroyers or sustainers, and whether to live only for the present or work for posterity.
He explained that consumers prioritise immediate comfort and convenience, while conservers use resources responsibly and safeguard them for future generations. Likewise, protectors preserve ecosystems and biodiversity, whereas predators exploit resources for short-term gains.
He further stated that selfless actions which prioritise the well-being of communities and future generations are essential in addressing environmental challenges. He called upon citizens to become sustainers who preserve ecological systems rather than destroyers who contribute to environmental degradation through pollution and unsustainable practices.
Emphasising the responsibility owed to future generations, he said every action taken today would have lasting consequences for tomorrow.
Earlier, ADC Kohima, Ruopfukuotuo Noudi, NCS, in his welcome address, said World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has become one of the largest global platforms for environmental awareness and action. He said the observance serves as a reminder of pressing environmental issues such as pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change and the sustainable use of natural resources, while calling for collective responsibility towards environmental protection.
Assistant Commissioner Kohima, Sarthak Singh, IAS (P), in his keynote address, urged the gathering, particularly students, to adopt simple but meaningful environmental actions. Encouraging participants to plant and nurture trees, he stressed the importance of waste segregation at source and responsible disposal of plastic waste.
He also spoke on protecting the “environment within ourselves” by staying away from drugs and harmful substances, reminding students that wise choices today would shape a better future. He called on everyone to commit to planting a tree, reducing waste, spreading awareness and actively supporting environmental causes.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
DAO Kohima, Kekhrieletuo Yhome, spoke on the role of women in agriculture and climate change. He highlighted that women constitute a major part of the agricultural workforce and play a significant role in food production, biodiversity conservation and household nutrition. He noted that climate change has made farming increasingly challenging due to unpredictable weather patterns, water scarcity and declining agricultural productivity.
He also underscored the importance of reviving traditional practices such as seed preservation, seed exchange programmes, community seed banks and millet cultivation, with women leading many of these efforts.
Speaking on the topic “Green Earth, Empowered Daughters,” Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, Dr Meniele K. Nuh, highlighted the link between gender equality and environmental sustainability. She emphasized the importance of empowering girls through education, economic opportunities and leadership while recognising women’s contributions to natural resource management, agriculture and environmental conservation.
She also spoke on the growing participation of women in science, technology and innovation and encouraged greater support for women and girls in these fields.
On the theme “Empowering Women for Environmental Sustainability,” Case Worker (Legal), One Stop Centre Kohima, Vizokhrienuo, stated that women are not only affected by environmental challenges but are also important agents of change. She said empowering women through education, skill development and economic independence enables them to contribute more effectively to environmental conservation, sustainable resource management and community development. She further stressed the need to include women in environmental planning and decision-making processes.
As part of the programme, four recipients of the Farmers’ Award 2025–26 were felicitated for their contributions to agriculture and allied sectors. The awardees included Vizosielie Rupreo of Chiechama village, a Farm School teacher promoting Integrated Farming Systems; Rokomeü of Mezoma village for her successful rabbit farming enterprise; Siedze Krotho of Teichüma village under Botsa Block for promoting food security and agricultural innovation; and Kevichü Farmer’s Self Group of Khonoma village for its contribution towards women-led group farming and local food security.
The programme also recognised Mezhiilhoutuonuo Suhu and Botoholi Achumi as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Kohima Icons for inspiring girls and young women through their achievements and contributions towards promoting education, leadership and gender equality.
The programme was chaired by EAC Kohima, K Imtiyenia, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Extra Assistant Commissioner Kohima, Ane Khieya, NCS. The programme was attended by officials from various departments, stakeholders, representatives of farmer groups, members of women’s organisations and students from different schools.
