Phom Baptist Christian Association and World Vision India Longleng in collaboration with Forest Division Longleng observed, PBCA Green mission cum World Environment Day, under the theme "Putting An End To Plastic Pollution" on 5th June 2025, at PBCA convention hall Longleng, with Minister, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Village guard Government of Nagaland, C.L. John, as the special guest.

The special guest in his address extended his warm greetings to all esteemed people of the State, joining hands with the world in celebrating World Environment Day, to reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our environment. He said we are blessed with one of the best climatic conditions, like air and water being among the cleanest on the planet. However, in the recent past, John said we are facing with many environmental challenges and the effects of climate change are already becoming more apparent in the state.

Speaking on the theme, "PUTTING AN END TO PLASTIC POLLUTION", he said the state Government has banned Single use plastic (SUP) in the state effectively from June 2023 to eradicate the serious environmental threat posed by the rampant use of plastic. This was followed by complete ban on all single-use plastic carry bags and single-use plastic bottles below one litre in the state with effect from 1" August 2024. District Task Force (DTF) has been constituted in each district to enforce the ban.

His department has been actively engaging with stake-holders for protecting the environment with activities like awareness campaigns, run for nature, saplings distribution, establishment vertical gardens, urban parks, audio talks and articles in local news dailies are being held in collaboration with churches, Schools, Village Councils, Police and Civil Society Organisations to make this campaign inclusive and sustainable. Under "EK PED MAA KE NAAM CAMPAIGN" the Department last year planted almost 36 lakh Saplings exceeding the state target of 35 lakhs. This year under "Ek PED MAA KE NAAM CAMPAIGN 2.0", the department is carrying out plantations in schools involving students throughout the state. As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, a series of programs/activities are being organized across the state starting from 22nd May which will culminate on World Environment Day. The Main Focus of the program is awareness generation on the menace of Plastic pollution and how to reduce plastic waste, and its Management through Segregation, Collection, and Disposal using the principle of 3R-Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

To mark the event, the Forest department also organised pledge events at schools, Plastic segregation events with village community, clean-up drives and mass plantation in association with Line departments, PBCA, DUDA, DRDA and NGOs.

JICA project has been implemented in 9 Villages under Longleng district. Under the project, 9.26 Lakh saplings have been planted covering an area of 3,530 Hectares in the district. He appealed to continue extending full co-operation to the project and also the Department in conserving our rich natural resources. He also informed that the State Government has notified Community Reserves in Tamlu, Yongshei, Nian, Hukphang, Yaong-Yimchen and Sitap bringing a total of 1800 Hectares under Protected Area Network in Longleng district. The department has also initiated for the Protection and Conservation of Amur Falcon in Yaong village through the Lemsa Chen-lok Society and this initiative will highlight community participation in conservation.

He also informed that the State Level Committee on Wood Based Industries has approved the proposal for establishment of Industrial Estate in Tamlu. With this, Longleng is the 2nd District in ENPO area after Mon to have Industrial Estate which is a dedicated area for establishment of Licensed Wood Based Industries. The opening of Industrial Estate will boost the economy of the area, generate revenue, create employment opportunities for the youth and open avenues for young entrepreneurs to start enterprises in timber based products. At present, there are about 23 registered tree farms under Divisional Forest Office, Longleng. He believes that the establishment of Industrial Estate will provide the impetus required for communities and individuals to take up plantation not only in Longleng but also in the neighbouring districts.

        On the occasion, he urged the gathered to rededicate themselves to protect nature and conserve the environment. And remain committed to nature conservation, biodiversity preservation and improving our surrounding environment.

District Forest Officer Longleng, Rama Shankar Prasad, IFS said  as mandated the Department is involved in planning, promoting, and coordinating environmental and forestry policies & programs, and actively works for safeguarding the environment, protecting forests and wildlife, promoting biodiversity, and preventing and abating pollution.

PBCA which started its "Green Mission" in 2018 with the vision of "Green Clean and Healthy Environment" is actively working for the cause of the environment. Through a wide range of environmental mission, vision and activities- it aims to care for mother-earth, to respect and preserve nature, to fight global warming and climate change, to discourage random deforestation, and to protect and preserve wildlife and to reduce use of plastics, he said.

He said he is confident that PBCA which has mass public reach specially in Longleng and presence of our Minister and other dignitaries, the massage will reach to every nook and corner of the state to avoid or at least minimise the use of Plastic in daily life. 

He also said the Longleng Forest Division has distributed and planted around 45k saplings in collaboration with various line departments, institutions, CSOs and students.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HOFF) Kohima, Dharmendra Prakash, IFS in his special message highlighted the importance of preserving nature and reducing plastic pollution.

In 2013 and 2014, locals supported conservation efforts for Amur falcon preservation, demonstrating their commitment to environmental protection. Studies reveal alarming statistics, where Nagaland's aquatic life has declined by 30% due to plastic pollution, affecting water quality.         

Plenary address was delivered by Executive Secretary PBCA, N. Tialemba Phom, while Principal Phom Lempong Higher Secondary school, Philip Nyam, presented the PBCA Green mission initiatives from 2018-2025.

Short speech was also delivered by Deputy Commissioner Longleng W. Manpai Phom NCS, President Phom Peoples Council, Y.B. Angam Phom and President Phomla Hoichem, Ainyu.

The band Bü-OO-Li presented a song titled "Vangsha Ham" (Ecological echo). 

         A short presentation on world environment day was presented by Phom Lempong Higher secondary, Christian school, St. Joseph school, Good Shepherd School, Shamakok Mission School and Vision Vale School Longleng.

 

 (Manjong, IA Longleng)