Kohima, Nov. 2 (EMN): In view of the alarming pollution and hazards caused through wastes particularly plastics in Kohima, the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has appealed to all the citizens of the town, offices and institutions - both government and private, hotels, restaurants or any such food business operators to reduce, if not to completely stop the use of plastics, styrofoam and all such non-biodegradable items.
With the arrival of the festive season, where functions and activities of various kinds are on the increase, KMC administrator, Kovi Meyase has appeal to the citizens of the towns to abstain from using one-time use plastics like disposable crockery, spoons, forks, plates and even bottled water in any function, meetings or congregations.
He urged that efforts should be made to use steel plates and cups, forks and spoons or any bio-degradable substitutes and water bottles be replaced by water dispenser while citizens are also requested to carry cloth bags only.
“Plastic and thermocol cutleries are the biggest pollutants in Nagaland,” said Meyase and cited a survey conducted by an NGO in Kohima where it was estimated that out of the 4309 registered shops, each shop utilises an average of 472 plastic carry bags per day.
Keeping in mind the consequences involved to health and environment, he maintained that the people must make choices and adopt a plastic-free lifestyle.
While citizens are also requested to avoid throwing plastics or garbage into the streams, Meyase reminded the wards to put greater efforts into segregating wastes from the household levels.
In this connection, he informed that the KMC in collaboration with the association of Kohima municipal wards panchayat and the Kohima Green Team will further undertake sensitisation exercises in all wards.
“Let us join our hands and our minds to make Kohima clean and green again,” urged Meyase.
Schools in Tseminyi declared plastic free
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Officials from forest department along with teachers and students at GHSS, Tseminyu, during the declaration of plastic free programme on November 2.[/caption]
Dimapur, Nov. 2 (EMN): As a part of the Green Initiative Programme of Kohima forest division, Government Higher Secondary School and Baptist Higher Secondary School in Tseminyu were declared plastic free.
A programme in this regard was held on November 2 in Tseminyu town in presence of Supongnukshi, chied conservator of forest (CCF) as special invitee.
Speaking on the occasion, Rongsenlemla Imchen, DFO Kohima, thanked the schools for their active participation and highlighted on the importance of the role of students in fighting plastic pollution and cutting down plastic footprint.
Special invitee, Supongnukshi appreciated the efforts of the schools in green activities and encouraged the gathering to rise above the abusive use of plastic by practicing the concept of refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle.
The school authorities thanked the forest department for the initiative and assured full cooperation to the department to pursue their green actions. The schools made plastic free commitments by reading the pledge led by Me Pezaneinuo, range office. Jweni Semp, range officer Tseminyu, proposed the vote of thanks.
To mark the occasion, eco friendly waste bins, copies of pledge and plastic free signage were distributed to the two schools by the department. The Green Initiative Programme was started in April 2018 covering two components viz Green Future Nursery and Plastic Free programme that focus on schools dedicated to conservation activities.