Nagaland observed World Environment Day (WED) along with the rest of the world at a function in Botanical Garden here Friday with Minister forest, environment and climate change, Dr. Nicky Kire as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Nicky appealed to citizens to reduce consumption of resources, conserve and use natural resources sustainably for future generation and to do a bit everyday to save God’s gifted natural resources.
He said Nagaland was blessed with rich forest and biodiversity but lamented that as per the forest survey report of 2011, the state lost 146 square kilometres of forest cover as compared with the 2009 report. He said forests had degraded because of large scale shifting cultivation, mining, indiscriminate felling of trees, poaching and killing of wildlife and problems created due to unplanned development.
Dr. Nicky stated that Nagaland had vast and tremendous capacity for wood production having the potential to uplift the economy of the state and its people. He said forest resources, have potential to enrich the state if fast growing trees could be planted on vast stretches of jhummed areas to act as carbon skin and also to provide livelihood to people.
Citing a report by Prof.Ravindranath of the Indian Institute of Sciences, the minister informed that Nagaland was vulnerable to climate change. He said the report stated that the climatic change scenario was accentuated by dwindling forest areas and subsequent disappearance of some tree species. While acknowledging conservation movement in Nagaland during the past several years that had also earned the state recognition, nationally and internationally, the minister urged officials to continue with the conservation movement and not to become complacent with some achievements as much remained to be achieved.
Dr. Nicky stated that the need of the hour was to create awareness among all stakeholders and stressed on the importance of planting more trees which act as natural skin for carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The minister also appealed to the education department to introduce green pledge in schools so that students could develop green habits for protection of environment.
Principal secretary environment, forest and climate change N.N. Zhasa, IFS also spoke on the occasion. The chief guest later released books on Naga folklores: bridging tradition with conservation; Nagaland Biodiversity and Study of Coal Mining areas in Nagaland and its impact of the environment by Nagaland Pollution Control Board.
The department also felicitated Eco-clubs, departmental staffs and Dzukou forest fire response team. The programme concluded with administering of green pledge led by Rajat S. Pal, IFS, Addl. principal chief conservator of forest. The minister and department officials also planted trees at the botanical garden.
Others present included Dr. Longri, Namri Nchang (MLAs), students, representatives of various departments and NGOs.
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