‘Significant forest covers in Nagaland commendable’

June 6, 2024 4 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Wokha | June 6

Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division in collaboration with Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) organised World Environment Day Celebration 2024 under the theme ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’ at Lotha Hoho Ki on June 5.

DFO Wokha, Suman WM Sivachar in his speech lauded Nagaland for its significant forest cover, comprising approximately “72-73%: of the land- a noteworthy accomplishment. However, he expressed concern over India’s dwindling forest cover, which currently stands at a mere 24.62% of its geographical area.

Sivachar highlighted the conservation efforts for Amur Falcons in Nagaland as a remarkable success story. He detailed how local stakeholders have united to protect these birds, citing past incidents where tens of thousands were killed in a single day, and annual deaths reached the hundreds of thousands. Nonetheless, he praised the active efforts of communities in safeguarding the birds, asserting that Wokha has now become a prominent name in conservation circles.

Furthermore, Sivachar addressed the various environmental degradation factors and urged students to play a role in waste reduction and environmental improvement.

Lansothung Lotha, RFO, Doyang Beat & Doyang Afforestation Range, shared that the idea behind hosting this folklore and folksong competition is to emphasise the close relationship indigenous communities have with nature. This connection is often expressed through the ways in which indigenous people conserve and protect their environment, preserved through folk songs and lores. In an era where these values are rapidly fading due to swift development, progress, and modernisation, efforts are being made through WED 2924 to reignite these values and bridge the gap between the past and present generations to protect and conserve the fragile environment we live in.

Earlier, an awareness walk on conservation of the environment focusing on the theme was conducted, with the slogan “Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” The event saw active participation from students of Wokha District Schools.
The event featured placards, folk song and folk story competition based on Nature categorized into class 5-7, 8- 10 and class 11- 12 from each schools.

The programme was led by Lansothung Lotha, RFO, Doyang Beat & Doyang Afforestation Range. Invocation was by DBHSS Principal, with a keynote address by Rajiv Shankar, IFS, ACF. Longstu Tungoe, a retired teacher, shared a short story on the importance of Mt Tiyi, followed by a vote of thanks by Abeno Ovung, Planning & Livelihood Expert, NFMP.

Winners:
Folksong (Class 8- 10 Category): First-Don Bosco HSS; Second- GHSS Wokha

Folksong (Class 11-12 Category): Winner- Don Bosco HSS, Wokha.

Placards: First-Martha Ezung (GHSS, Wokha); Second: Yansarhomo Joel Ezung (Perennial School); Third: Mhasen (GHSS, Wokha)

Folk Story (Class 5-7): First-J Olivia Mozhui (Perennial School); second Lansothung C Yanchan (DBHSS); Third -Wonchibeni R Ngullie (Bethsaida)

Folk Story (Class 8-10): First- Lithunglo J Jami (DBHSS); Second: Machoni K Humtse (Fernbrook School); Third: Lumchibeni T Kikon (Perennial School)

Folk Story (Class 11-12): First: Zuyani R Humtsoe (Isaiah Ability School); Second: Ashamo T Kithan (DBHSS); Third: Renbeni Odyou (GHSS).