The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) conducted the annual World Environment Day in Phek District, in collaboration with the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO). More than 5,000 people including youths, students, children, leaders and elders joined the activity by organizing tree plantation and waste management initiatives in their respective jurisdiction. The movement embodies the shared commitment of the Chakhesang people to restore, conserve and protect their ecosystem.
The program was kick-started by Rhosietho Nguori, NCS, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Phek at Clock Tower, Phek Town. In his address, he emphasized the need to combat plastic pollution in the face of global warming. He highlighted the importance of plastic segregation and reducing plastic use in every household and that everyone must be socially responsible. He stressed that World Environment Day should not be just a one-day celebration but a year-round practice to improve the environment and live in a healthy world. The DC appreciated the CYF and CPO for taking the lead in celebrating World Environment Day across Phek District.
Kevesa Khama, President CYF in his welcome address mentioned that this World Environment Day theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” is more than just a slogan – It is a global call to action, a collective commitment to tackle plastic pollution. He thanked the co-ordinating partners for the kick-off programme viz., Phek Town Council, Phek Town Public Forum, Phek Town Youth Society, Phek Town Chakhesang Student Union & Phek District Chambers of Commerce & Industries and all the affiliated units under CYF and CPO for their active participation to celebrate WED.
Short speeches were also delivered by Chepetso Kozo, CPO General Secretary, Shevohu Nienu, Chairperson, Phek Town Council, Vesatolü Cürhah invoked God’s blessings for the program, and Nüveta Khesoh, CYF Vice President, chaired the program.
A pledge to Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to beat plastic pollution was taken by around 400 people during the kick-off programme. As part of The Himalayan Campaign (THC), segregation, branding and auditing of wastes within the clock tower area (500 m). Since 2018, THC has been actively organized across the Indian Himalayan Region to focus attention and raise awareness on the problem of waste – specifically single use plastic wastes in the mountains. During the activity, it was found that the major wastes were pet bottles, multi-layered, tetra packs and single use plastics. Notably, certain brands were identified as significant contributors to this waste footprint with Perfetti van Melle India Ltd, Som Silver Supari Pvt. Ltd., Pepsico as the top company pollutants. This underscores the need for corporate responsibility and sustainable practices in waste management.
Across the district, various activities such as awareness, cleanliness drives, tree plantation and nurturing of previous years’ tree plantation as well as segregation, auditing and branding of wastes were conducted.
The CYF & CPO also visited different locations where the activities are being undertaken in Phek District. Award for Best Performing Unit, recognizing outstanding collective efforts, innovative waste management initiatives, and dedication to conserving our rich biodiversity is set to be awarded soon, after collecting the activity details from every unit.