Kohima, 8 September (MTNews): The International Clean Air Day celebration, along with the culmination of deeper public engagement and consultation under the National Clean Air Programme 2022-2023 for Kohima city was observed at the Capital Cultural Hall on Friday.
Themed “Together for Clean Air,” the event was organized by the District Administration Kohima in collaboration with Zub Zub India, Kohima Smart City Development Ltd (KSCDL), and Kohima Municipal Council.
Addressing the program as a special guest, DC Kohima, Shanavas C, IAS, called upon citizens to advocate cleanliness to maintain a clean and healthy environment in the city. He also encouraged students to become ambassadors for creating awareness about safeguarding the cleanliness of the city.
Er Kezha Thenuo, CEO of KSCDL, in his address on ‘Smart Living,’ emphasized that over 99% of the world’s population is exposed to polluted air, resulting in 6.7 million deaths annually. Air pollution stands as the single greatest environmental risk to human health and a major preventable cause of death and disease globally. Therefore, he said, the battle against air pollution has become indispensable.
Thenuo highlighted the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) as a national-level strategy that seeks inclusive public participation and the development of trained manpower and infrastructure to combat air pollution. He urged everyone to strive to become responsible citizens, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management, water and energy conservation, and green initiatives like planting more trees and flowers to keep the city fresh and beautiful.
Thenuo called on citizens to be mindful of how their actions can affect the city’s surroundings and encouraged active participation in community initiatives, regardless of age. He reiterated that “Smart Living” is about being responsible and embracing change, and he called on all citizens to support the efforts of KSCDL in making Kohima a more livable city.
The program saw participation from 22 schools, with Riizhiikhrie Government High School, Bayavii Higher Secondary School, and GMS Midland receiving recognition as the best-performing schools. The epitome award was earned by North Field School.