Former Commissioner & Secretary to Government of Nagaland and Convenor, Earth Alliance, LH Thangi Mannen (IAS Retd) has asserted that Mokokchung must reclaim its pioneering spirit—not merely in name, but in action—and strive to become Nagaland’s first plastic-free district.

Delivering her keynote address at the observance of World Environment Day at Mokokchung on June 5, she cited a data from the Municipal Council and revealed that the district produces approximately 1800 kilograms of plastic waste daily, with over 95% being non-biodegradable.

“These are figures only from the municipal area,” she noted, emphasizing the lack of data from rural regions and other urban local bodies (ULBs). She warned of the silent spread of plastic pollution, pointing specifically to Multi-Layered Packaging (MLP)—wrappers of biscuits, snacks, and household goods—which she termed as “the most difficult to manage.”

Stating that “dustbin is not the solution,” Mannen proposed a community-led alternative: “Open a Plastic Bank – in schools, colleges, homes, and shops. Don’t bin it, bank it!”

She emphasized the importance of segregation at source, urging households to separate recyclable and non-recyclable plastics, sell the former to collectors, and direct MLPs to authorized processing units. Highlighting that bans alone have limited impact without systems in place, she remarked: “People are not listening to the ban. What we need is management, not just prohibition.”

Mannen called for the adoption of scientific disposal mechanisms, specifically co-processing in cement factories and its use in asphalt road construction, citing the 2016 Waste Management Rules. Co-processing, she explained, is globally recognized and destroys plastic at temperatures up to 1800°C with no harmful residue.

She posed a direct challenge to policymakers and stakeholders, “Why can’t we implement this here in Mokokchung?”

Touching upon the issue of e-waste, she stated that significant amounts are being generated locally and urged the district to follow the lead of processing efforts already active in Dimapur and Kolkata.

Mannen proposed designating July as Plastic-Free Month, aligned with international observances such as Plastic Free Day on July 3, and encouraged local organisations to initiate awareness campaigns.

“We are all suffering from this. We are the consumers and also the victims. Let’s stop shifting blame and start taking action,” she concluded, urging collective responsibility to safeguard the environment. She reminded the gathering, “Earth is our only home. Let’s guard it, save it, and start right here in Mokokchung.”

Ending plastic pollution is a battle cry: Nuklutoshi

Special Guest Nuklutoshi, MLA and Chairman, DPDB Mokokchung

MLA & Chairman, DPDB Mokokchung, Nuklutoshi, in his address, called for collective and sustained efforts to transform Mokokchung into a model district for sustainable living, stating that the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally” was not merely a slogan but a “modern-day battle cry.”

“Mokokchung is not merely joining the fight—we are leading it,” he declared.

Emphasizing the district’s natural endowments—fresh air and a resilient community—he said, “

“With this initiative, the future is green.”

Nuklutoshi underscored that true change requires consistent action from both individuals and communities, not just lofty speeches. He acknowledged the contributions of the Municipal Council, Forest Department, youth, NGOs, and other organisations, saying, “I salute every individual who has stepped forward. This is not a one-day affair. This is the beginning of a long-term journey—turning waste into wealth and apathy into action.”

Launching the “Trade Waste for Green” campaign on the occasion, Nuklutoshi invited departmental representatives to symbolically exchange saplings as a pledge to support the district’s roadmap to sustainability. Under the campaign, every department, school, and college will deposit segregated plastic waste monthly at the MMC’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

“Think of it as a bank. You deposit plastic, and the interest is cleaner streets, healthier soil, and a better future,” he said.

As part of the roadmap, quarterly waste audits will be introduced to track transparency and progress, he said and remarked, “No secrets, no shortcuts. This is how we track progress and say, ‘Look how far we’ve come.”

To boost participation, Nuklutoshi announced the “Green Champion Award”, to be awarded quarterly to the department that deposits the most plastic waste. He emphasized that the goal was not just to win awards but to ensure plastic is repurposed rather than contributing to legacy waste.

Adding a layer of innovation, Nuklutoshi launched an inter-departmental challenge, inviting teams to submit five-minute pitches on how the plastic waste collected can be repurposed locally, reducing the need to sell it to neighbouring states. The winning idea will be developed into a concept note for evaluation and possible implementation by the MMC.

“This one-day event will become a movement,” he said, envisioning future initiatives such as decentralized recycling units, energy-from-waste projects, and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.

Faith and Urgency: We are destroying the Earth we were meant to protect

TN Mannen, IAS Retd., Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue

Delivering a poignant message, Special Invitee, Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, TN Mannen (IAS Retd.) said that World Environment Day is not just a celebration, but a global call for collective action that transcends nationality, race, and colour. He stressed that human actions are chiefly responsible for environmental degradation and declining public health.

“Our actions are destroying nature and impacting our health,” he stated.

Citing the Bible, he reminded that humans were created to be caretakers of the Earth—not its destroyers. Referring to the plastic-choked rivers, he said, “During heavy rains and floods, we can almost hear the chanting of thousands of plastic bottles being carried downstream—an alarming sign of our neglect.”

Challenging Mokokchung to become a pioneer plastic-free district in Nagaland, he urged every citizen to take responsibility in protecting biodiversity and combating climate change.

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As part of the “Trade Waste to Green Campaign” held in observance of World Environment Day 2025, awards were presented to individuals and institutions that contributed the highest amount of plastic waste.

In the Individual Category, Amongsang secured the first position by collecting 33 kg of plastic waste, followed by Limasunep with 31 kg, and Dr. Kilangnaro with 30 kg.

In the Organisation/Institution/Department Category, the Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies claimed the top position with a remarkable 400 kg of plastic waste collected. Queen Mary Higher Secondary School came second with 118 kg, while the Government Middle School, Tongdentsuyong, secured third place with 97 kg.

Special Category Awards were also presented, with I Meren Kichu (85 years) recognized as the oldest participant, and Soul House Academy acknowledged as the youngest team participant. A total of 1983.8 kgs were collected during this initiative.

A Green Pledge was undertaken collectively by all attendees, affirming their commitment to end plastic pollution in Mokokchung and beyond.

Earlier, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung delivered the welcome address.

Brief speeches were delivered by Tianaro Jamir, President of Watsu Mungdang, on Beat Plastic Pollution: My Responsibility! followed by Lanaukum, Deputy Chairman, MMC, who shared “Vision for plastic-free Mokokchung.” Er. Hebo Zhumomi, EE (PHED) on “Plastic-free in rural areas.”

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sentitula, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Mokokchung, who commended the efforts of all stakeholders and urged continued collaboration to safeguard the environment for future generations.