Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) organized a seminar on “Environmental Laws and the Harmful Impacts of Pollution and Environmental Degradation” in collaboration with the Nagaland State Pollution Control Board at Japfü Hotel, Kohima, on October 18, 2025.
Delivering the keynote address, NSLSA Member Secretary Neiko Akami, NJS, stressed the need to conduct more programmes to sensitize and create awareness among the public and various stakeholders on the importance of protecting and conserving forests and water resources from further destruction.
Highlighting the environmental challenges faced by the state, Akami noted that Nagaland has been experiencing heatwaves, floods, soil erosion, landslides, air pollution, and water shortages. He pointed out that major road construction projects across the state have contributed significantly to deforestation and the destruction of rich flora and fauna.
“To have good roads is to boost the economy and ensure comfortable travel,” he said, “but due to massive soil cutting, our rivers are flooded with silt, soil erosion has affected paddy cultivation and other agri-allied activities, many irrigation channels have been destroyed, and food productivity has decreased. There has been large-scale destruction of trees and plants, exploitation of river stones, a decline in fish populations, less rainfall, and perhaps more heatwaves as our forests are destroyed due to road construction and other forms of natural resource exploitation.”
In this regard, Akami called for concerted efforts to sensitize the government to frame policies for massive tree plantation drives and create mass awareness among the public. He also cited shifting (jhum) cultivation and jungle burning as other causes of environmental degradation.
He further emphasized the need to address air and water pollution, forest fires, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. He opined that every village in the state should organize tree plantation drives with state support and stressed the importance of preserving wildlife sanctuaries and effectively implementing the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
During the technical session, Shri Sidramappa Chalkapure, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kohima, spoke on the Legal Framework for Conservation of Forests, Wildlife and Environment, highlighting various acts and rules relevant to the state. Shri Akangmeren Imchen, Scientist ‘C’ from the Nagaland Pollution Control Board, spoke on the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Shri Yanthung Kithan, Scientist ‘B’, elaborated on the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Nagali Shohe, Panel Lawyer, Kohima DLSA. It was attended by panel lawyers and para-legal volunteers from various DLSAs.
