CL John urged tree plantation and wildlife protection on World Environment Day, saying hunting can end just as headhunting was abolished.
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KOHIMA — Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John on Friday called for a mass tree plantation drive across Nagaland and urged citizens, particularly students, to take the lead in protecting the environment and combating climate change.
Addressing the World Environment Day observance at Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park, John said that environmental conservation transcends education, profession and religion, as every individual depends on a healthy environment for survival and progress.
Emphasising the importance of environmental stewardship, the minister said that economic progress and development would be meaningless without safeguarding the environment and climate.
Referring to biblical teachings, he said that God created the earth and all living organisms in balance, but unchecked human activities have disrupted that harmony.
Expressing concern over increasing incidents of forest fires, he called for greater efforts to prevent them, describing forests as a gift from God that must be protected.
He also highlighted the threat posed by indiscriminate hunting and urged reforms to curb the killing of wildlife.
“Just as headhunting was abolished, it is not impossible to stop hunting wildlife,” he said, lamenting the decline of fauna due to excessive hunting practices.
Calling upon students to become ambassadors of environmental protection, the minister advocated large-scale tree plantation drives throughout the state.
He also said that rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles were contributing to rising temperatures, particularly in urban centres such as Kohima and Dimapur.
In this regard, he expressed concern over poor civic habits, including littering, improper disposal of plastic waste and spitting in public places.
While describing Nagas as being conscious of their appearance, he remarked that civic responsibility needed similar attention.
According to the minister, Nagaland government has declared a “war against plastic” and reiterated the need to reduce plastic consumption and adopt sustainable alternatives. He added that planting trees is as important as acquiring a good education.
Earlier, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Vedpal Singh, in his opening remarks, said that World Environment Day serves as a reminder of humanity’s collective responsibility to protect and safeguard the environment.
He pointed out that environmental challenges such as air pollution, water contamination, plastic pollution and global warming have intensified over the decades.
Singh said that scientific studies had reported the presence of nanoplastics in Antarctica and even in the blood of newborn babies, describing the situation as alarming and a clear indication of the urgent need for behavioural change.
Stressing that humans are an integral part of the environment and not separate from it, he said that the quality of life and future well-being of humanity depend on maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Singh encouraged young people to take practical steps towards environmental conservation, including reducing plastic use, carrying reusable bags, conserving electricity and fuel, and adopting sustainable lifestyles.
“The true celebration of World Environment Day lies in taking a personal resolve to protect the environment,” he said, adding that while immediate impacts may not always be visible, collective action can help reverse environmental degradation over time.
On the occasion, the minister released the new logo of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board in the presence of departmental officials. Winners of essay writing and videography competitions were also felicitated with prizes.