World Environment Day 2025 was observed in Mokokchung under the patronage of the Mokokchung District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), with the global theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution Globally’ and the local slogan “Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution for a Greener Mokokchung” at the DC Conference Hall.
The event focused on making Mokokchung the pioneering district in ‘beating plastic pollution’ in Nagaland, with the goal of becoming the state’s first ‘plastic-free district.’
Chairman of Mokokchung DPDB and MLA, Nuklutoshi, who was the special guest at the event, stated that the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally” isn’t just a slogan but a “modern-day battle cry,” adding that Mokokchung is not just joining the fight but “leading it with our roadmap to a circular economy in Mokokchung.”
“Today isn’t just another Environment Day celebration. Today, Mokokchung takes a bold step towards becoming plastic-free!” the DPDB Chairman announced.
Towards that end, he said consistency is key and lauded the Municipal Council, the Forest Department, the youth, various organisations and NGOs, and every individual who has stepped forward.
Theme speaker LH Thangi Mannen (IAS Retd.) highlighted the issues with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation and challenged the district to pioneer the cause of becoming a plastic-free district. She also disclosed various initiatives planned for the future but emphasized that it must be a collective movement.
Special invitee TN Mannen (IAS Retd.), Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, also called for collective action to tackle environmental degradation due to human actions. He echoed the call to make the district the state’s first plastic-free district.
Short speeches were also delivered by the president of Watsü Mungdang, Tianaro, on the topic “Beat Plastic Pollution: My Responsibility”; Lanuakum, Deputy Chairman of Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), on “Vision for Plastic-Free Mokokchung”; and Er Hebo Zhumomi, EE (PHED), on “Plastic-Free in Rural Areas.”
In the run-up to WED 2025 in Mokokchung, the district undertook a “Trade Waste for Green” campaign —an innovative initiative encouraging citizens to exchange segregated plastic waste for native tree saplings. A total of 1,983.9 kgs of plastic waste was collected during the campaign. The winners were announced at the event.
In the individual category, Amongsang (33 kgs), Limasunep (31 kgs), and Dr. Kilangnaro (30 kgs) were the top three winners. The office of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Mokokchung, collected the highest amount (400 kgs) in the organization category. Queen Mary Higher Secondary School (118 kgs) and GMS Tongdentsuyong (97 kgs) secured second and third positions, respectively. At 85 years old, I. Meren Kichu was the oldest participant, while Soulhouse Academy was the youngest team participant.
Certificates and cash prizes were awarded to the winners. Dr. Sentitula, IFS, DFO Mokokchung, administered the ‘Green Pledge’ and delivered the vote of thanks. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, delivered the welcome address.
All Heads of Departments, members of the DPDB, civil society organizations, the Municipal Council, and a number of concerned citizens attended the event.
DPDB Chairman’s ‘game plan’
DPDB Chairman and MLA Nuklutoshi laid out a comprehensive and participatory ‘game plan’ to transform Mokokchung into Nagaland’s first plastic-free district, calling it not just a campaign but “a movement.”
“Every month, like clockwork, every department, school, and college will deposit segregated plastic waste at the MMC Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Think of it as a bank—but instead of money, you’re depositing plastic, and the interest you earn is what benefits everyone: cleaner streets, healthier soil, and a healthier us!” he declared. To ensure transparency, quarterly waste audits will be conducted, with findings made public.
Departments will also compete in a Green Champion Challenge, where the highest plastic collectors will be rewarded. More importantly, each department must pitch innovative ways to repurpose waste—ideas which, if found viable, will be evaluated by MMC for real-world implementation.
Nuklutoshi also envisioned decentralized recycling units, energy-from-waste projects, and locally produced eco-alternatives to single-use plastics. “This is our roadmap to a circular economy,” he declared, urging departments and citizens alike to step up and turn “waste into wonder.”