Kohima/IBNS: Nagaland took significant steps to address the pressing issue of climate change by conducting plantation and cleanliness drives across the state on Monday to mark World Environment Day. The theme for this year's observance was "Beat Plastic Pollution."

Under the initiative called Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), all state government departments and organizations actively participated in outreach and advocacy activities to mobilize the masses, stated EastMojo.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Nagaland, expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of various entities in raising awareness and promoting environmental responsibility.

In Phek, a mega tree plantation drive coincided with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the formation of Phek District. The event, organized by the Chakhesang Public Organisation in collaboration with Phek District Administration, received accolades from Deputy Commissioner Phek, Kumar Ramnikant.

He commended the organization for transforming the plantation drive into a mass movement and acknowledged the villages' dedication to nurturing the saplings. Ramnikant urged everyone to focus not on the number of trees planted but on nurturing each sapling to maturity, emphasizing the significance of giving back to nature to combat climate change.

President of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), Vezuhu Keyho, highlighted the importance of beautifying the roads and highways, particularly in light of the government's efforts to construct good roads in the district. He stressed that nurturing trees and enhancing the environment should be a collective responsibility.

At Kohima Raj Bhavan, Governor La. Ganesan emphasized the global impact of environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution on people's daily lives. He urged citizens to take immediate action against plastic pollution, as the world is currently consuming more plastic than it can recycle, causing severe harm to humans, animals, and nature.

On this occasion, Governor Ganesan launched the website "Clicktoplant," which allows people to plant tree saplings online by making online payments. 

The Governor himself participated in the first online plantation during the program. Additionally, he unveiled the mascot "Nino" for the Ecotourism Management Committee of Tuophema village in Kohima.

In an effort to combat the declining forest cover in the state, tree plantation drives were also carried out at the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) in Kohima.

Chief Secretary J Alam emphasized the need for swift action to address climate change, stating that the ill effects are affecting everyone. He encouraged continued drives like these, emphasizing their long-term commitment rather than being limited to a one-day activity.

Even children with disabilities participated in the observance of World Environment Day by carrying out a tree plantation drive at the Angel Home in Dimapur, highlighting the inclusive and diverse nature of the initiative.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed his concerns about plastic pollution on Twitter, calling it one of the most significant environmental challenges humanity faces. He stressed the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic to combat this issue.

The state of Nagaland demonstrated its commitment to combat climate change and preserve the environment through these collective efforts and reiterated the urgent need for global action.