Along with the rest of the country, National Renewable Energy (NRE) Day was observed in the state capital on Saturday.
The NRE day is observed on August 20 every year, the birthday of former prime minister of India late Rajiv Gandhi, propagating the message of his bequest and initiation on renewable sources of energy.
In Kohima, NRE day began with a rally from local ground to Heritage Complex, which was flagged off by state planning board deputy chairman Neiba Kronu.
Speaking as the chief guest at the closing function at The Heritage Kohima, minister for forest & environment, wildlife and excise M.C. Konyak exhorted the gathering on the need to spread the message of conservation of environment through the use of alternative sources of renewable energy.
He stated that changes were taking place rapidly throughout the world and even in Nagaland, adding that those changes- progress and development- were made through fossil fuel resources.
He pointed out that there have been consequences of such rapid march of civilization particularly through the impact of global warming. Although Nagaland occupies a “tiny corner” of the country, Konyak said the state could not deny that it was not subject to the phenomenon of global warming.
The minister asserted that propagation of alternative sources of energy was vital as it would have minimum impact on environment with its sustainable sources of energy. In this regard, he stated that the greatest advantage was using renewable energy through change in attitude towards healthy and judicious use of energy (power).
Emphasizing that dependence on conventional fossil fuels could not sustain economic development, he asserted that disruption of natural eco systems cannot be erased, but people must slow the rate at which of burning fossil fuels by taking to new and renewable energy.
Konyak said the DAN government, under the leadership of state chief minister Neiphiu Rio, has taken a positive step by identifying the importance and need for this practice and created the department for New & Renewable Energy (DNRE), and thereby joining the national and global movement of propagating use of alternative sources of energy.
Stating the department created recently would have many challenges, the minister encouraged the staff and officials to work hard in imparting the importance and benefits of using NRE sources in the state.
He further called upon the people to inculcate eco-friendly lifestyles in their homes, as well as in the society.
Meanwhile, speech on behalf of the DNRE was delivered by department director Er. T.S. Angami while vote of thanks was proposed by joint director Er. Vitoshe Rochill.
Earlier, singing and quiz competitions were conducted among 13 different schools from Kohima and prizes were given away by the chief guest.
Kohima District Congress Committee: Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) on Saturday observed the 67th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
KDCC president Prasilie Pienyü called upon party workers and members to demonstrate the spirit of commitment and dedication and work for the welfare of the people tirelessly.
Prasielie said “Gandhi firmly believed that the future of the country lies in the hands of its youth and given the right direction and opportunity the youth-force could take country to progress and prosperity.”
“He had a dream of equality, that socialism will not remain an orphan child of modern Indian politics, but it will find expression in laws and social system and equality will come with a sense of responsibility and as moral zest, not by relentless force,” Prasielie said.
The function chaired by Kohima District Congress Committee vice president Meren Jamir commenced with vice president Vikrosa Zecho pronouncing the invocation.
General Secretary (Admn) Viseyienuo Keretsu tendered the vote of thanks.
As a part of the celebration, KDCC donated four bags of rice, vegetables, egg, biscuits and cold drinks for the inmates of Mental Hospital Kohima.
They also offered prayer for the wellbeing of the inmates.
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