Rengma Selo Zi, an NGO initiated massive tree plantation across the 30-km stretch between Khelebinkun area (Botsa- Tseminyu border) to Satsuphen bordering Wokha after completion of the National Highway 2, once known as the worst road in the state.
This road (from Tseminyu to Wokha) used to be in a dilapidated condition for a long time. The inaction of the government at improving the deplorable condition of the road had led to a series of protests. Hoardings were hung along NH-2 to express strong resentment of the people such as: “Divided by distance, united by potholes” and “Do not travel through NH2 if you do not know how to swim”. After almost nearly two decades later, the road has become one of the best highways to travel. Tree saplings were planted by RSZ under the theme “Green Highway Project”
Launching the plantation drive, ADC Tseminyu W. Manpai Phom lauded RSZ for the initiative and congratulated them for overcoming hiccups before and during the construction of the road. He also reminded RSZ to keep in mind nurturing and caring for saplings as sustenance to ensure success of the plantation drive
Highlighting the concept of the project advisor RSZ ZukeyaWoch said long cherished dream of the Rengmas has become a reality with the completion of the highway.
He said RSZ felt it was their responsibility to beautify the NH-2. Woch mentioned that RSZ plans to provide amenities for comfort of travellers and would also take care of the saplings for next ten years.
President RSZ Kenneth Kath in his brief address said the project will be expanded as an annual event to the next villages as well.
For the current project, he said every range will maintain the trees in their own jurisdiction.
Over 5400 tree saplings comprising of cherry, Bauhinia/tree orchid, Oak tree, Silver Oak, Tea beans, alder leaf birch/betula, Siris, wild mango, pears, Banaba tree and banyan fig were planted on Saturday.
Meanwhile in a brief interaction with Nagaland Post RSZ president Kenneth Rengma said the project was the first initiative of RSZ. He recalled that people of Tseminyu and travellers passing through Tseminyu town used to face untold misery because of the deplorable condition of the NH 2
Construction also had another negative impact after many trees were felled. Rengma said due to deforestation, the weather changed and dwellers in Tseminyu faced water shortage.
He was confident that such plantation drives will provide the needed balance against abnormal weather conditions.
SDO (C) TseminyuTsutsoweKupa, core group RSZ, village elders and youth volunteers carried out the tree plantation.
The tree saplings were sponsored by Professor G.T Thong and ZukeyaWoch.
Rev. Fr. GL Khing invoked God’s blessings before launching the plantation drive.