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DIMAPUR —World Earth Day on the theme 'Planet vs. Plastic’, focusing on the urgent need to address the issue of plastic pollution, was celebrated at various educational institutes in the state on Monday.
Nagaland University: The celebration took place at multiple campuses of Nagaland University (NU), including Lumami, Kohima and Medziphema, where students and faculty members raised awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability, an update stated.
The vice chancellor of NU, Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, serving as the chief guest, emphasised the importance of Earth Day and the collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations.
During a virtual lecture delivered by P K Mishra from the department of Chemical Engineering at IIT BHU, Varanasi, he addressed the urgent issue of plastic pollution and outlined the essential steps required to mitigate its adverse environmental effects.
Earlier, the event commenced with a welcome address by Ashutosh Tripathi, head of the department of Environmental Studies, who presented a documentary offering valuable insights into the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems.
Additionally, faculty and students at Kohima Campus planted saplings as a gesture towards sustainability.
Livingstone Foundation International: In celebration of Earth Day, the cadets of 1 Naga Air Squadron NCC, affiliated with Livingstone Foundation International and led by Chief Training Officer Bobby Bol Zeliang, undertook a series of activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering a cleaner and greener future.
The student-led conservation initiative commenced with a pledge taking ceremony, followed by a cleanliness drive within and around the school campus.
During the ceremony, they pledged to reduce their carbon footprint, minimise waste generation, and participate in conservation efforts.
NEISSR: The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Chümoukedima, under the initiative of its Green Club, observed Earth Day at the NEISSR Cultural Hall.
The event featured a skit set in the environmental landscape from the 1990s to the present day, highlighting the significant changes and challenges faced by the Earth over the years.
Vimeyienu Viswentso, a student from the Master of Social Work (MSW) 4th Semester, emphasised the importance of the occasion, highlighting its critical role in raising awareness and catalysing action for environmental conservation.
The skit depicted how societal behaviours and the prevalence of plastics have fundamentally transformed the planet, endangering both human health and environmental stability.
Kohima Science College: The Geography department, in collaboration with the Green Team at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, observed World Earth Day on Monday and renewed their dedication to combating plastic pollution and advancing environmental sustainability efforts.
During the introductory remarks, Shevito Theyo, the leader of the Green Initiative and assistant professor, emphasised the significance of commemorating such an event. He urged the students to take on both individual and collective responsibility for preserving the beauty of nature.
The keynote address, delivered by the head of department, Rongdensungla Longkumer, provided insights into the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment. Longkumer highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable alternatives.
St. Joseph University: The Newsbites team and IIC, St. Joseph University, in collaboration with the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP), Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) conducted a workshop on plastic waste management-cum-model making competition under Mission LiFE in commemoration of Earth Day.
According to an update, Kevisede, Assistant Environmental Engineer at the NPCB, emphasised the importance of combating plastic pollution during his keynote address.
The workshop was divided into four technical sessions, following which an exhibition was held, where second-semester PG students from various departments participated. The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates to the winners.
Sao Chang College: In commemoration of Earth Day, Sao Chang College organised a workshop on waste management and creative recycling.
The programme was organised by the ministerial staff of SCC in collaboration with NSS Sao Chang College and was sponsored by the Jal Shakti Committee.
Dr. Temjensangla Pongener, Associate Professor at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, attended the occasion as a resource person.
The workshop was followed by a mass social work on the college campus, in which, along with the resource person, students from NSS and Eco Club of Fazl Ali College joined the faculty, staff, and students of Sao Chang College.
Patkai Christian College: The Philosophy department of Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Dimapur Division, organised a run to commemorate Earth Day on the early morning of Monday.
According to an update, about 120 participants, including students, faculty and children, participated in the run from the Unity Gate at the Chathe Bridge to the college’s administrative block.
Beizo Soukhrie, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dimapur, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the importance of being cautious in the use of plastics and encouraged the students to strive towards making the Earth a better place.