Dzükou Valley declared plastic-free zone

Our Correspondent Kohima, June 5 (EMN): Dzükou Valley, one of the “most visited” destinations in the state, was declared a “plastic-free zone” coinciding with the World Environment Day. An official declaration was made during a programme initiated by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) at Viswema village on June 5. The valley attracts lots of visitors but it also faces challenge of littering by the visitors, said SAYO President Zakeleto Tsükhrü. In order to combat plastic pollution in the valley, SAYO initiated to declare it a “plastic-free zone,” he added. One of the foremost priorities of the SAYO was to manage Dzükou Valley. The organisation in coordination with various departments will manage the valley, said Tsükhrü. A caretaker has been employed 24x7 at the entry points at Viswema and measures to restrict plastic have also been initiated. Tourists should pay for their plastic packets on security basis at the entry points and reimburse at the time of exit, he added. The SAYO president went on to say that another entry point at Jakhama side will be initiated soon. Advisor of Youth and Sports Resources, Zale Neikha, who declared Dzükou Valley as plastic-free zone, congratulated SAYO for the “far-sighted vision.” Dzükou Valley is one of the biggest assets of the Nagas, according to the advisor. With the valley being declared plastic-free, he urged the people to maintain cleanliness in the area. He also asked the department concerned to take up developmental activities in the valley to create more avenues and boost the economy at large. Neikha said that developmental activities should be planned carefully and executed. He also insisted on boosting state economy by encouraging farming. Director to Tourism Department Akhale Khamo said Dzükou Valley is a hotspot destination for tourists from foreign countries, national and even locals. It is also a place of “educational activity” for many, she added. While congratulating SAYO for taking up the initiative, she encouraged them to be stringent in checking plastics at the entry points and suggested that the items and articles carried by the tourists be counted and restrict accordingly. Likening Dzükou Valley to the ‘Valley of Flower,’ one of the UNESCO’s heritages located in Uttarakhand, she felt that it has the potential to be recognised by the UNESCO if maintained well. Speaking about the menace of the plastic, she said that 90% of the litter is plastic and it needs to be controlled as it is a health hazard. She said it (controlling use of plastics) has to come from an individual and suggested that SAYO take up the initiative of introducing car bins in the state capital. Southern Angami Public Organisation President Vimeyol Theyo urged the public to strictly follow the pledge of making the valley litter-free. He said that the valley has made the village popular and asked them to protect it.

Pulie Badze Peak declaration

With an aim to protect one of the most important watershed areas of Kohima district, Pulie Badze was declared “plastic-free zone” on June 5. The declaration was made during a programme held at the Pulie Badze Peak. It was the initiative of department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Kohima Forest Division in collaboration with Jotsoma Nature Conservation & Ecotourism Committee and village functionaries of Jotsoma village. Speaking during the programme, Rongsenlemla Imchen, IFS, DFO Kohima appreciated the community for collaborating with the department to conserve forests and environment. She stressed on the importance of corroborative efforts from all sections of the society to check plastic pollution along with other environmental issues in letter and spirit. JSU President Bode thanked the department for the initiative and said it will go a long way in protecting the area “sustainably.” To mark the occasion, around 60 volunteers conducted a cleanliness drive from the peak to the base camp of Pulie Badze besides planting trees along the road. The department distributed eco-friendly waste bins, signboards and posters to the community.