In an effort to safeguard the local flora and fauna, the joint village council of Longsa and Ungma village in Mokokchung, declared the area surrounding the Tzula (Dikhu) river as the Tzula (Dikhu) Green Zone back on 6 April 2010. The zone, spanning approximately 14.5 km from Chinangyimzuk/Tamati to Chengiyimzuk/Tobaset, aimed to protect the natural habitat and promote environmental conservation.
Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Govt of Nagaland, Rongsenungba, praised the visionary efforts of the communities of Ungma and Longsa for taking proactive measures and setting a positive example for environmental conservation. Rongsenungba emphasized that environmental preservation holds the key to combating global warming, stating that the declaration of the Dikhu River as a Green Zone was a remarkable contribution by the two villages towards mitigating climate change on a global scale.
He further stressed the significance of preserving the indigenous ornamental fishes found in the river, envisioning the area becoming a tourist hotspot through these conservation efforts. He urged the communities to strictly enforce regulations against unethical fishing practices such as electric fishing and the use of chemicals. Additionally, he urged them to impose a complete ban on fishing during the three-month breeding season, from June to August.
The Tzüla (Dikhu) Green Zone Project Management Committee (TGZPMC) was formed and registered as a non-governmental organization under the Societies Act, 1860, on 10 April 2010, marking a significant commitment by the villages to preserve their natural heritage. The resolution put forth by the two village councils included a complete ban on fishing and the prohibition of other environmentally detrimental activities such as hunting, foraging, and littering in the river. The intention was clear—to protect and sustain the fragile ecosystem of the Dikhu River and its surrounding areas.
The event also featured short speeches by the Chairman of Ungma Village Council and Longsa Village Council, expressing their appreciation for the collaborative efforts in preserving the Tzüla (Dikhu) Green Zone. Imliyanger, Chairman of the TGZPMC, highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and the long-term benefits it brings in his welcome address. The vote of thanks was proposed by Temsutoshi Longkumer, Finance Secretary of TGZPMC. The invocation was led by President of MTLST, Molodongba, while the benediction was pronounced by President of USTM, Sangkong Jamir.
