Nagaland celebrates World Environment Day at Chizami
North East Network, Chizami Sports Association and Forest Beat, Chizami Dept. of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. Of Nagaland came together on the occasion of World environment day celebration on 5th June 2019 at Chizami where a series of events were organized. The program was kicked off with the Men and Women Cross country Race where 44 runners participated in the “Run for Clean Air” campaign. It was flagged by Mr. Wetezolo Chirhah , Ranger, Forest Beat Chizami Div. Phek.
This was followed by a Public Awareness program chaired by Ms. Wekowe-u Tsuhah, Programme Director, NEN and the invocation was pronounced by Rev. Fr. Patrick, Principal, Sacred Heart School. The keynote speech was addressed by Ms. Seno Tsuhah, Director, NEN, where she address a gathering of 100 Community Leaders from Chizami, Enhulumi and Sumi , Youths and School children. Taking the cue from the song presented by the Children of Chizami “I am the earth”, Ms. Seno encouraged the communities’ efforts to conserve the environment and how the song resonate the cry of the present generation, the urgent need to take action against the depletion of the environment. Stressing on the theme “ Beat Air Pollution “ she continued on how other countries are struggling with air pollution and the rate at which health is depleting, causing death and despair. Therefore, a place like Chizami must protect their forest, the trees which are the source of life, without which there will be no life.
The other speakers of the program included Mr. Renbemo Ezung, SDO (civil), Chizami and Mr. Colo Mero ,President, Chizami Sports Association respectively. Mr. Renbemo Ezung, SDO (civil), Chizami cited his own personal experience on the effects of climate change, the changes in weather occurring at a rapid pace, year by year. He called on the participants present to take action in protecting our environment as an individual and community at large, for change must start at the grass root level.
Mr. Colo Mero spoke on the destructive nature of Naga society, where in the name of cleaning or social work, plants and trees are cut off or uprooted without realizing the destructive nature of their actions. He challenged each participants present at the gathering to make a commitment to one self to plant a tree, to make a difference in the society.
A special number “What A Wonderful World” was presented by Ms. Neitsukhrou Mero. An audit report was also shared on the Chizami Clean-up Campaign observed on 25th May 2019, where a total of 846 kgs plastic waste was collected in Chizami alone within a distance of 2.5 kms.
The Public Awareness program was followed by distribution of tree sapling to different organisation and institutions in and around Chizami and a mass tree plantation at New Local Ground site. Where different varieties of tree saplings were planted along the football ground.
The day ended with an award ceremony for the winners of the Men and Women Cross Country race, Wede T. Mero, Lilovi Mekrisuh, Eyitshe Edemi, Rukeweu L. Mero, Welhiwe Akami, Kraleteu T. Mero.
Winners of the ‘Run for Clean Air, 
Participants of the Cross Country Race 
Gearing up for Clean Air
