Volunteers picking litters during the 'Dzükou cleanliness
drive' on Tuesday (EM images)
KOHIMA — Braving
rain and misty weather, about 300 volunteers turn out and actively participated
in cleaning trash along the routes of Dzükou Valley and the base camp on the
occasion of Earth Day.
Tuesday’s ‘Dzükou Cleanliness Drive’ was organised by the
Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) and sponsored by Office of the
Divisional Forest Officer, Kohima.
Volunteers from 13 villages of Southern Angami and the NSS
from St. Joseph College Jakhama, were divided into six groups to clean the routes
to Dzükou from both Jakhama and Viswema base camps till the guest house.
Earlier, addressing the kickoff programme at Jakhama ground,
Zuthunglo Patton, Conservator of Forest (Southern Territorial Circle), said
that the focus of this year's Earth Day on the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ is
on renewable energy sources with an aim is to triple renewable energy
generation by 2030.
She cited the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report of
2025 that indicated that of top 10 risks which the world is facing, five of
them are environmentally related.
Calling for collective actions, she acknowledged SAYO for
taking the lead in organising the cleanliness drive, and added that this shows
their commitment, responsibility, and motivation towards protecting the planet.
Patton also reminded that survival on this earth depends on
how one lives in day-to-day life. Towards this, she said that each one can do
their bit not only as an individual but also as communities.
“The cleanliness drive is an opportunity for the youth to
not only contribute for the noble cause but this will also help them in
building their confidence in the future,” she said and expressed hope that the
youth will take part in such activities in the future.
Zasitsolie Beio, president of SAYO, said the day is a
reminder that caring for Dzükou is not a one day affair but a life-long process
and a responsibility and so volunteer have come forward to protect, preserve
and honour the majestic Dzükou valley.
“Each piece of litter we remove is a step towards restoring
the pristine beauty,” he said and called for healing the earth again. “The
action taken today will be an inspiration for the future generation,” he added.
He also reminded that the World Earth Day Organisation had
recognised the service of SAYO in protecting Dzükou Valley.
Zhokedu Zhotso, Health & Environmental secretary of
SAYO, said that by undertaking the sanitation drive, they will be fulfilling
one of the five ideals highlighted by the Earth Day Network this year — to free
Dzükou Valley from litter and plastics.
Earlier, Kekhüseto Tase, associate pastor of Jakhama Baptist
Church, invoked God’s blessings for the programme.
The Tata Mobile Union, Jakhama, transported the volunteers
to their specified locations. Further, T-shirts were also distributed to the
volunteers.
On Earth Day, volunteers undertake drive to make Dzükou litt
