Village targets pink blooms for AKM conference in 2035
A grassroots green movement took root in Longmisa village on World Environment Day 2025 with the launch of the ‘Green Longmisa Initiative Phase-I’, a tree adoption plantation drive spearheaded by the Longmisa Students’ Union (LKSR), the village’s student body.
The launch event, held under the global theme “Tree Adoption Plantation Drive”, was graced by the President of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Lanutoshi Aier.
The initiative by the students hopes to transform the village’s open land into a green zone, especially along the newly completed two-lane NEC-funded road that connects the village.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, LKSR President Takotiba said, “Seeing that it has a huge place with huge space with no trees, the LKSR decided to come up with this initiative.” He added that the trees would not only cool the environment and keep it clean, but “also serve as a shade for many who travel through the village, including our Sangtam and Chang brothers.”
As part of the campaign, saplings were provided by the Forest Department, and 19 Gulmohar trees were planted in the first phase. The LKSR reached out to Ao legislators to lead by example.
According to Takotiba, “six legislators, along with our MP, have each adopted a tree”—a gesture that aligns with the initiative’s core idea of tree adoption and accountability.
The president further stated that this is just the beginning, with more phases planned ahead. “The student body has also resolved to nurture and care for the plantations,” added the president.
Guest of Honour and AKM President, Lanutoshi Aier, while commending the initiative, pointed out the common failure of planting trees without sustained care. “We keep planting trees but fail to take care of them after planting and thus ‘adopting the tree’ becomes important,” he said, stressing the importance of nurturing the environment rather than just symbolic acts.
Aier also reflected on plastic pollution, stating that while biodegradable products are available, their slightly higher cost deters usage. “Due to lack of citizen participation, we have failed to beat plastic pollution,” he noted. He hoped that the Longmisa initiative would inspire other communities to take similar action.
The student body has already begun acting on this front, collecting plastic waste from the village and transporting it to Mokokchung for recycling.
Village Council Chairman Merensosang Jamir expressed hope for the initiative’s long-term success. “Since the initiation has begun in good faith, I hope that it will conclude successfully,” he said. He also remarked on the importance of continuity, saying, “In 3 years the present tenure will get over but it depends on how will the rest of the students take it forward.”
One of the initiative’s long-term goals is to have the Gulmohar trees, known for their vibrant pink flowers, in full bloom by 2035 when Longmisa is scheduled to host the Ao Students’ Conference.
The Green Longmisa Initiative is a compelling example of youth-led environmental leadership, combining local vision with a message of shared responsibility for the future.
