Institutions, student bodies, village councils, and youth organizations across Nagaland observed World Environment Day 2025 under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”, with a focus on environmental awareness, tree plantation, and community participation to promote sustainable practices and protect nature.
Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kiphire emphasizes eco-responsibility
Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kiphire, marked World Environment Day with a series of activities aimed at promoting environmental consciousness among students and staff.
The celebration was held at the school’s assembly ground where Fr. Philip Magh addressed the gathering and emphasized the crucial role of trees in sustaining life. “There won’t be any birds in the world if there are no trees,” he said, encouraging students to become friends and builders of the environment by integrating tree plantation into their daily lives. He noted that planting trees contributes to reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.
Students from the school’s Eco-Warrior Club delivered a presentation on the harmful effects of plastic pollution, raising awareness about the urgent need to reduce plastic usage. They stressed the importance of responsible habits in preserving the environment.
The program concluded with a pledge taken by both students and teachers to protect and nurture plants, avoid environmental destruction, and commit to preserving nature.
As part of the event, Class 11 students conducted a campus cleaning drive, ensuring a cleaner and greener school environment.
Under the guidance of Eco-Club in-charge Lansinlung, the school planted a total of 50 saplings, which included 10 Pine, 20 Acacia, 2 Agar, and Jamun trees. The plantation drive is part of the school’s long-term effort to instill environmental values and promote green initiatives.
Zisaji Presidency College observes WED with tree plantation and anti-plastic awareness
Zisaji Presidency College observed World Environment Day with a joint programme themed “Beat Plastic Pollution”, organized in collaboration with the NSS and NCC units, the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC), and the Office of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
The celebration was also held under the sub-theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name), encouraging tree plantation in honour of mothers and as a symbol of environmental responsibility.
Delivering the welcome address, Gagan Chandra Mishra, Programme Officer of the NSS unit, greeted representatives from all collaborating units and emphasized the significance of the event.
The newly appointed Principal of the college, Dr. Phyobenthung Odyuo, expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the leadership of the institution. In his speech, he highlighted that World Environment Day is a global initiative to safeguard nature, and urged students to recognize how excessive exploitation of natural resources threatens sustainable development. He called on the youth to minimize plastic use and adopt recycling practices, reinforcing the importance of a plastic-free society.
Adekhing, President of the USSC, emphasized the urgency of environmental action, reminding the students that “It’s time to act, not wait” when it comes to protecting the planet. Thinglise, Vice President of the USSC, also addressed the gathering and assured that proper care would be taken of the saplings planted, so they grow strong and positively impact the environment and local communities.
The formal programme culminated in a tree plantation drive, where hundreds of seedlings were planted across designated areas on the college campus. The effort saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and NGO representatives, all working together in a shared mission to promote ecological sustainability.
Langkok Village observes World Environment Day with rural focus
Langkok Village celebrated World Environment Day with a strong focus on educating and inspiring rural communities to preserve and protect the environment. The programme, held under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” was organized by the Kiphire Forest Division in collaboration with the District Administration and the Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU).
Zavito NCS, EAC of Kiphire Headquarters, graced the occasion as the special invitee. Addressing the gathering, he urged the villagers to be responsible and concerned citizens who actively care for the environment. He stressed the need to reduce plastic usage and gradually adopt sustainable alternatives in daily life.
Highlighting the importance of the plantation drive, Zavito encouraged all villagers, both young and old, to act as caretakers of the saplings planted, ensuring their healthy growth for future generations. He also emphasized the need to embrace sustainable farming practices to maintain ecological balance in the region.
Sandeep Rajgotra, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer of Kiphire, appreciated the people of Langkok for their enthusiastic participation in the global movement to protect the environment. He reiterated the importance of the year’s theme and encouraged villagers to use reusable bags instead of plastic while shopping—a small yet impactful step toward sustainability.
The formal programme was followed by a plantation drive in and around the village involving the special invitee, forest officials, TSU members, village council representatives, GBs, and the local public. A good number of participants joined hands to plant trees and reaffirm their commitment to environmental protection.
The event was chaired by Chupitho (SFS, Kiphire), with an invocation prayer led by Pastor Lichumse of Langkok Baptist Church. The welcome address was delivered by Tsatonbse, Chairman of the Village Council.
The celebration concluded with a shared spirit of environmental responsibility and community solidarity, showcasing Langkok’s dedication to safeguarding nature for future generations.
JKM leads plastic-free initiative across villages
The Japukong Kaketshir Mungdang (JKM) observed World Environment Day 2025 under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” with active participation from villages across the Japukong Range in a coordinated campaign to combat plastic pollution through community-driven initiatives.
The observance saw each village undertaking activities such as public space clean-ups, plastic waste collection, and proper disposal measures. Local communities identified areas heavily affected by plastic litter and mobilized residents to take part in the clean-up efforts.
The initiative not only helped reduce plastic waste but also significantly raised awareness about environmental protection and sustainable living within the community. The widespread participation reflected a strong sense of unity and environmental responsibility among the people of Japukong.
In a press release, the Japukong Students’ Conference (JKM) stated that the observance of World Environment Day emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to environmental conservation. It further expressed hope that this simple yet impactful movement would serve as an inspiration for others to take individual and collective responsibility in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
DYA celebrates Silver Jubilee with tree plantation
The Dilong Youth Association (DYA) commemorated its 25th anniversary with a tree plantation drive in Dilong Ward, Mokokchung, in observance of World Environment Day 2025.
As part of the initiative, 15 trees were planted in and around Dilong Ward—a vital commercial and residential locality in the heart of Mokokchung Town. The effort is aimed at enhancing the green cover, promoting ecological balance, and contributing to a cleaner and healthier urban environment.
Speaking to the Nagaland Tribune, DYA President Lanuakum Imsong said that the drive was not only a tribute to World Environment Day but also a step toward fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among the community. He informed that the saplings would be jointly maintained by the youth members of the ward, ensuring their protection and growth.
The plantation program also marks the beginning of the DYA’s silver jubilee celebrations, which are scheduled for August 2025. Imsong noted that Dilong Ward, despite its population density, lacks adequate greenery to support urban biodiversity. “With this plantation, we hope to make a small but meaningful impact,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of urban green spaces, Imsong stated, “Trees are natural air purifiers. In a town that is rapidly urbanizing, every sapling planted is a step toward reclaiming harmony with nature.” He added that the planted trees have been fenced with protective netting, and appealed to the public to safeguard them as an investment in a shared and sustainable future.
AYO observes World Environment Day with call for daily civic responsibility
Joining the rest of the world in observing World Environment Day 2025, the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) held a formal programme at its office under the theme “Towards Cleaner and Greener Kohima.” The event began at 10 a.m. with Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA and Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, as the special guest.
In his address, Dr. Rhütso pointed out that while World Environment Day is commemorated once a year, true environmental stewardship must be a daily civic responsibility. He urged citizens to cultivate consistent civic sense and not limit their concern for the environment to designated observance days. “What are we doing the remaining 364 days to protect our environment?” he asked.
Highlighting the dangers of deforestation, pollution, and plastic waste, Rhütso acknowledged that plastics have made life more convenient and affordable—so much so that eliminating them has become a major challenge. While policymakers envision a plastic-free society, he remarked that the reality on the ground makes it “a difficult job” to eliminate plastic entirely.
He emphasized that the Municipality and Government are doing their part to address these issues, but waste segregation at source remains a persistent challenge. Rhütso underlined the need for active citizen participation in plastic management and water conservation, saying, “Apart from plantation drives, everyone should be responsible for plastic management and save water.”
Rhütso also introduced a Drinking Water ATM model aimed at reducing the use of plastic water bottles. Under the plan, consumers can access cheaper, clean drinking water through ATMs, managed by contractors, while revenue will benefit the government.
“If successful in Kohima, the model will be replicated across other districts,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, AYO President Kesosul Christopher Ltu noted that while the organisation has been conducting tree plantation and cleanliness drives at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, this year’s activities were redirected to areas under Kohima Municipal jurisdiction due to ongoing development projects at Kisama.
AYO also distributed fruit-bearing saplings to colony representatives under Kohima’s jurisdiction as part of their green initiative.
Miss Nagaland 2024, Anon Konyak, made a special appearance during the programme, describing the event as a meaningful initiative. She stressed the importance of preserving the environment as a source of joy, peace, and sustenance, calling on young people to become the generation “future generations would thank.”
AYO Environment Secretary Kedoroko Casavi informed that fruit tree saplings were distributed to all participating colonies and to individual volunteers to plant in their respective areas, reinforcing the community-wide participation.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Teisovise Metha, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kohima; and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) councillors George Thira and Medoviu Suohu.
Wokha Forest & Doyang Plantation Divisions observe World Environment Day
The Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division jointly observed World Environment Day 2025 under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally” at the Divisional Forest Officer’s Office, Forest Colony, Wokha Town on June 5.
The event was graced by Supongnukshi, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Nagaland, Kohima, and Zuthunglo Patton, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Southern Territorial Circle and Chairperson of the Project Steering Committee, NFMP.
Addressing the gathering, CCF Supongnukshi stressed the urgent need to tackle the growing crisis of plastic pollution. Speaking directly to the students present, he lauded their artwork and environmental messages, stating, “You know your responsibility, and many of you have shown great awareness of the challenges we face today. Plastics are useful, but when we don’t manage them properly, they become harmful.”
He warned against the indiscriminate burning and improper disposal of plastic waste, which contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to the release of toxic chemicals.
“One of the most dangerous practices is burning plastic without knowing the consequences,” he cautioned. “We must educate our friends and family about recycling, reusing, and storing plastic properly,” he stressed.
Encouraging youth to become environmental advocates, Supongnukshi shared personal habits such as collecting and returning plastic bags for reuse. He also cited Kohima Municipal Council’s recycling initiative as a noteworthy model. Commending the Wokha Forest Division, he praised DFO Suman WM Sivachar, IFS, for his leadership despite limited manpower:
“Compared to many divisions, Wokha has delivered remarkable results in projects like KfW, JICA, and others. The department recognises your sincerity and efforts,” he said, also informing that recruitment plans are underway to further strengthen the division.
Delivering the welcome address, Suman WM Sivachar, IFS, drew attention to the pervasive use of plastic in everyday life and the growing threat of microplastic pollution:
“Plastic is everywhere—in food wrappers, chairs, and pens. Microplastics, though invisible, are already present in soil, water, and even crops,” he explained.
He encouraged students to limit the use of single-use plastics and to adopt small but impactful habits such as keeping wrappers intact for more efficient recycling.
“A small action makes a big difference. You are the next generation, and it is your responsibility to protect the Earth for the future,” he concluded.
A painting competition for school students was also conducted as part of the observance, with results announced by Abeno Ovung, Planning and Livelihood Expert, NFMP Wokha.
Following the formal programme, participants undertook a plantation drive at Mt. Morashen, located in Old Riphyim Village, reinforcing the day’s message of environmental stewardship.
Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren urges citizens to take responsibility for environment
A tree plantation drive to commemorate World Environment Day 2025 was held on June 5 at New Reserve, Kohima, as part of the flagship initiative “Clean and Green Nagaland” spearheaded by S. Supongmeren Jamir, Member of Parliament (MP), Nagaland. The project is funded under the MPLADS 2025–26 scheme.
In his keynote address, Supongmeren Jamir emphasized the importance of adopting environmentally responsible practices in Nagaland. “We Nagas are good at practicing personal hygiene, but when it comes to environmental cleanliness, civic sense becomes questionable,” he remarked.
He underlined that the tree plantation initiative was not merely for aesthetic purposes but also a preventive measure against landslides, particularly crucial for Nagaland’s hilly terrain. Expressing concern over negligence in waste management and poor civic awareness, Jamir stressed, “Each one is responsible for our own waste.”
While Nagaland is blessed with thick forests and a rich natural landscape, Jamir lamented that its citizens often fall short in preserving nature. Highlighting the broader objective of the Clean and Green Nagaland initiative, he said it was launched to allow Nagas to enjoy a clean, green, and sustainable environment.
He also expressed hope that the campaign would inspire citizens to manage waste responsibly, voluntarily fill potholes, and plant more trees in their neighborhoods to create a happy and healthy environment.
The Clean and Green Nagaland project was implemented simultaneously across all districts of the state on June 5, demonstrating widespread community engagement in the mission for a sustainable future.
The event in Kohima was organized by the Communication Department of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC). Participants from various walks of life joined the plantation drive, planting diverse saplings in a show of environmental commitment and solidarity.
The programme was chaired by Khuvishe (Atomu), Working President of the Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC). Rev. Vesotsu Rhakho, Pastor of PUBC Kohima, delivered the invocation, and the Chairman of New Reserve Panchayat welcomed the gathering.
The event concluded with the symbolic and meaningful act of planting saplings, reaffirming the community’s resolve to work together for a cleaner, greener Nagaland.
