Mokokchung, 16 July (MTNews): In a joint effort to address the pressing environmental concerns in the region, Lemsachenlok, in collaboration with Akhoya Students’ Union, organized a tree plantation drive on 15 July. The initiative aimed to restore and protect the ecosystem along the stretch from Dikhu River to Changtongya.
During the introduction of the event, Y Nuklu Phom, Chairman and team leader, Lemsachenlok, emphasized the importance of preserving “this wonderful and perfect ecosystem that humanity had misused because of which nature had come so heavily upon us today.” He highlighted the adverse consequences of human activities on biodiversity, such as mudslides, drying of ancestral water sources, and attacks on farmers’ crops by alien pests and insects.
The deterioration of the ecosystem poses a significant risk to humanity, which must be realized and addressed by every citizen, particularly the younger generation who should take radical steps, he said.
The tree plantation drive has been a long-standing initiative since 2010, with substantial investments made each year. Unfortunately, during road construction activities undertaken by companies, the trees that were previously planted were discarded and buried under the soil instead of being protected.
However, with the completion of the road construction, Lemsachenlok and Akhoya Students’ Union have joined hands to regenerate the trees along the road stretch. The new tree plantations are expected to contribute to the improvement of air quality, provide shelter, and help recharge water sources. Lemsachenlok has also taken the initiative to plant several trees from Dikhu River under the jurisdiction of Yaongyimchen village, towards the Longleng-Tuensang Road. In addition, Sakshi and Auching Students’ Union have also partnered with Lemsachenlok to initiate their own plantation drive.