‘Trekkers are turning Dzükou Valley into mountain of garbage’

November 26, 2023 76 Views No Comment

‘In a single day, more than 300 non-biodegradable wastes items are left behind in the valley, base camp area or trekking route’

Morung Express news
Kohima | November 26

Despite efforts to keep the Dzükou Valley clean and free from non-biodegradable wastes, maintaining cleanliness and keeping it plastic and garbage free continue to pose as a challenging task for management authorities.

In this regard, under the theme, ‘I Care Dzükou,’ a sanitation drive was organised at Dzükou Valley by the Southern Angami Students’ Union (SASU) and Dzükou Management team on November 25.

SAYO, President Letso Mekro said that ‘in a day, out of 100 trekkers, more than 300 non-biodegradable wastes items are left behind in the valley, base camp area or trekking route.’ He added that ‘to address this issue, declaration of ‘Plastic Free Zone’ has gone on deaf ears of trekkers. Therefore, increase in the footfall, increases wastes to a considerable level.’ Wastes left behind include plastic bottles, chips packets, gutkha packets, alcohol or beverage bottles etc, he informed while adding, the main purpose of organising the sanitation drive was to keep the valley clean and uphold its natural beauty.

Moreover, with the ensuing annual Hornbill Festival, a lot of trekkers and tourists come to visit the valley. In this regard, the drive was initiated not only for the festive season but to give out the message that cleanliness needs to start from the individual level to promote responsible tourism, he added.

In a short speech, Zasitsolie Beio, Legal Advisor, Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) said that the people of Southern Angami have been maintaining Dzükou by upholding that “the valley is our pride and it is ours.” Keeping in mind that the world is running very fast and social media has provided a platform for promoting tourism on a national and global scale, he said today we have visitors from across the world, he stated. “However, unlike other states, where government maintains important tourist hotspots, the maintenance of Dzükou valley is by the people of the region.”

He asked the people to understand “why it is our responsibility” and said, “It is due to customary rights and practices that we are given the privilege to protect and uphold Dzükou.”

“We have to enable people to understand these unique privileges so that people do respect what we do. It is also the responsibility of everyone to brief and make aware of the standing rules and regulations by the SAYO for Dzükou valley,” Beio asserted.

It may be mentioned that, SAYO who is tasked as the custodian of the valley has put up do’s and don’ts to be followed when visiting the valley at strategic location like the ticketing counter at Viswema Village.

Calling the concern of everyone, the Legal Advisor said it is the responsibility of everyone to protect and maintain the valley adding that the scope of initiatives and efforts, research is ever increasing and still required.

Earlier, Viraseto Neikha chaired the programme and Atho Sothu, Assistant Pastor, Lerie Baptist Church, Kohima prayed for the programme. The cleanliness drive started from two trekking points- Viswema Village and Jakhama Village till Dzükou Valley. The president also briefed the volunteers on waste collection points and dumping strategies.