During Zero Hour of the Phase-II of the Eighth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at NLA Hall, Kohima on 26th March 2026, MLA, Achumbemo Kikon raised the issue of Environment and Climate Change based on the findings of the 7- Committee members on "Nagaland Environment and Climate Change".
He said environment and climate change is a pressing issue concerning the whole world. If it is not checked collectively, it would be detrimental to our health more than before, besides our motherly earth will be more vulnerable to meteorological and hydrological calamities. He also mentioned that children in India are the most vulnerable to natural calamities due to global warming and climate change.
Citing Finland and Bhutan as the most happiest and liveable countries to live in, out of many reasons, environment quality particularly clean air and water as key factors contributing to Finland as the top ranking in the World's happiness index, he noted.
He urged the legislators and all the responsible citizens to sensitize our people about the importance of conservation and preservation of natural resources. Every small action counts, and together we can make a difference by creating a sustainable future, protect our forests and rivers soon, because once the symptoms become obvious it will be too late to prevent disaster, he warned.
He cited Kohima and Dimapur in this regard and how pathetic it was in the rivers and streams of these two towns. Hence, he urged the residents to act responsibly and refrain from polluting rivers and streams.
On Jhum cultivation, Kikon said that it is impossible to outrightly abandon the practice. However, it should be replaced by other sustainable methods in the near future.
Cautioning the mining activity, he stated that mining activity has only helped the contractors at the cost of the innocent rural populace, mentioning that more than 2 lakhs hectares in Wokha and Mokokchung, where more than 15 villages thrive on the region were damaged. Hence, coal mining act should be either totally revoked or kept on hold till necessary amendments are effected again, he suggested.
Developmental activities of one department should not hamper developmental activities of other departments. Any developmental activity of the Government should be in tune with the government's policies and goals, he asserted.
(Nongozo, Asst. Director)
