Rethinking Environment Day in Mokokchung

As World Environment Day draws near, Mokokchung, like many other places, is likely gearing up for its customary round of awareness campaigns and tree plantation drives. From government agencies to student bodies and civil society organizations, the usual players will once again take part in events aimed at reaffirming our collective responsibility to protect the environment. This is certainly not a bad thing. Symbolic as they may be, these efforts do help in keeping the conversation alive.

But the concern is this: why is environmental activism in Mokokchung largely limited to this one day? Why don’t we have a dedicated organization, or even a full-time individual, committed to green initiatives throughout the year? In other parts of Nagaland, such roles exist and are well supported. These groups and individuals ensure that environmental stewardship is not confined to ceremonial dates but is woven into daily life through consistent action, education, and monitoring. Unfortunately, here, environmental activism too often takes the form of symbolic events rather than ongoing programs. The enthusiasm shown on June 5 is rarely matched by consistent follow-up actions to guarantee sapling survival and habitat restoration.

The second concern is even more sobering: what is the success rate of saplings planted on June 5? Year after year, thousands of saplings are ceremonially planted, but how many actually survive beyond the first few months? Without proper planning, care, and follow-up, many of these efforts result in little more than photo opportunities.

If Mokokchung truly wishes to honour the spirit of World Environment Day, it must shift its focus from one-day symbolism to long-term commitment. This means identifying suitable planting sites, involving local communities in post-plantation care, and supporting year-round green initiatives.

Planting a sapling is easy; nurturing a tree is a commitment. Let this year’s World Environment Day be the start of something more enduring, a move from ceremonial green drives to a living, breathing environmental movement that thrives beyond the calendar date.

MT