International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies observed in Dimapur, Kohima

DIMAPUR — Public engagement programmes under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) were held in Dimapur and Kohima to mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

The events brought together policymakers, administrators, civil society, and youth to discuss air quality challenges, enforcement issues, and the need for collective action.

Dimapur air pollution rose 35% between 2020 and 2024

According to a DIPR report, the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) hosted a talk show, “The air we share: bridging policy and public action”, at Town Hall, Dimapur, on Tuesday.

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Delivering the keynote address, scientist ‘B’ and nodal officer, NCAP, NPCB, Yanathung Kithan, highlighted the urgent need to tackle air pollution, describing it as fundamental, invisible, yet essential to life.

Citing the World Health Organisation, it was noted that 99% of the world’s population breathes unsafe air, while the Air Quality Life Index Report 2023 estimated that air pollution reduces the life expectancy of an average Indian by 3.5 years.

Kithan revealed that Dimapur has been categorised as a non-attainment city by the Central Pollution Control Board, with pollution levels rising by 35% between 2020 and 2024. He stressed that the NCAP targets a 40% reduction by 2026, but achieving this requires collective efforts from government agencies, civil society, youth, and the media.

In his remarks, panellist Member Secretary, NPCB and State Nodal Officer, NCAP, Hukato K Chishi, presented data highlighting a worsening trend in particulate pollution.

He pointed out that Dimapur’s annual average Particulate Matter 2.5 readings have consistently remained above national standards, cautioning that unless urgent measures are taken, public health and quality of life will continue to deteriorate.

During the discussion, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur and panel member, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang highlighted how NCAP funds have been used for road repairs, dust suppression, and awareness drives. He stressed that enforcement alone was not enough, calling for stronger community ownership in order to achieve long-term results.

Echoing this, panellist CEO of Dimapur Municipal Council, Thungchanbemo Tungoe, spoke on the council’s efforts to mitigate localised pollution such as road dust and waste burning. He noted that while DMC has introduced door-to-door collection, road sprinkling, and dust-control measures, changing public attitudes, particularly the widespread habit of burning waste, remained a major challenge.

Traffic-related air pollution was addressed by panel member and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), I Meren Chenthi, who explained measures such as one-way systems, stricter parking enforcement, and an auto-rickshaw display card system to regulate vehicle movement.

He further informed that traffic-monitoring cameras and upgraded signal systems were being installed at key junctions, while proposals for flyovers and bypass roads were also under consideration to reduce congestion.

On the health front, panel member and chief medical officer, Dimapur, Dr. T Yetovi Tuccu, linked rising pollution levels to respiratory ailments, chronic diseases, and climate-related health challenges.

He explained that Dimapur had been brought under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health, with sentinel surveillance already underway to study the impact of air quality on local health. He urged citizens to take preventive steps such as wearing masks in dusty areas and avoiding exposure during peak pollution hours.

Civil society perspectives were shared by panellist and President of Team Better Dimapur, Mhonchan Humtsoe, who described the group’s voluntary work in tree plantations, clean-up drives, and social services. He emphasised that every citizen must share responsibility, saying that collaborative efforts between government and community could transform Dimapur into a greener and healthier city.

Adding the youth voice, panel member and a social work student from NEISSR, Neiketouno Thapo, shared how young people directly feel the impact of pollution through headaches, coughs, and rising summer heat. She suggested practical measures such as a “one student, one tree” campaign to expand urban green cover and improve the city’s environment.

The panellists also touched on the growing problem of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, noting that dust from building activity was a major contributor to poor air quality. They agreed that integrating the C&D Waste Management Rules, 2016, into Nagaland’s building bylaws would be an important step in addressing the issue.

DC Kohima stresses citizen's role

A “Deeper public engagement and consultation” was held at DBHSS Auditorium, organised by the Kohima district administration in collaboration with Don Bosco College, Kohima.

The event began with a plantation drive, where Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, and principal of Don Bosco College, Fr. Dr. Tious Varghese, planted a Ficus Benjamina sapling.

In his address, Buchem noted that Kohima’s air quality is already at a moderate level due to dust, construction activities, waste burning, and vehicular emissions. While government initiatives such as road improvement and promotion of electric vehicles are underway, he stressed that real change requires the participation of every citizen.

Encouraging students to take the lead, he shared an anecdote from his son’s school’s zero waste policy, observing that children are often the best teachers. He cited Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg as an example and urged young people to adopt small but impactful practices such as planting trees, saying no to waste burning, reducing plastic use, recycling, walking short distances, and participating in eco-clubs.

Delivering the keynote address, EAC Kohima, Dr. Riku Khutso, highlighted the causes of air pollution, including suspended dust particles, vehicular exhaust, burning of waste, and construction dust.

He pointed out that Kohima records high levels of PM10 and PM2.5, fine particulate matter that directly enters the respiratory system and bloodstream, causing long-term health complications. On clear sunny days, dust levels rise significantly in Kohima, making these pollutants even more hazardous, he cautioned. He stressed that tackling the problem requires both stronger government measures and active public participation.

As part of the programme, a prepared speech competition was held for students. Rüvuomenuo Sorhie (Political Science B) secured the first position, followed by Yanpothung Ngullie (History) in second and Neitsizolie Chakruno (Commerce) in third. Consolation prizes went to Tuhafisharu (Zoology), Lasheba M. Yimchunger (Education), Vimesienuo Tetso (Political Science A), Alice Khongsai (English), and Meheti Tep (Botany).