An awareness programme on National Clean Air Programme under the theme “Act Now: No Planet B – Every Choice Matters for Our Earth” was held at Forest Colony Community Hall, Kohima, on 13th November 2025. The event was organised by the Ward No. 17 in collaboration with the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC).

Resource person, Rongsenben Longkumer, Junior Scientific Assistant, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, spoke on the topic “Ambient Air Quality" where she said that the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in January 2019, is a nationwide strategy to combat air pollution. The programme aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 levels by 20–30% by 2026, with 2017 as the base year.

She said pollution from vehicular emissions; road dust, industrial pollution, waste burning, and construction and demolition dust are the major pollution sources. She also informed that burning of waste must be discouraged by local bodies/gram panchayats/ councils as per rules and regulations under the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016, and National Green Tribunal order on penalty for burning waste by individuals or groups of individuals.

Y. Hanpong Konyak, Junior Scientist Assistant from Nagaland Pollution control board also served as resource person and spoke on the topic, "Lifestyle for Environment". The NCAP envisions ensuring clean and breathable air across the country through coordinated efforts, community involvement and sustainable urban practices.

The programme was chaired by Peter K. Rengma, Chairman of Forest Colony Council, while Khrielievi Chüsi, Deputy Chairman of KMC, delivered the welcome address. Hormila invoked God’s blessings, and Nzinimo Lotha, Vice Chairman of Forest Colony Council, proposed the vote of thanks.

(I/A Jakhama)