Defying bitter weather, approximately 300 dedicated volunteers actively participated in a significant cleanliness drive along the popular trekking routes and base camps of the breathtaking Dzükou Valley on Earth Day.
Organised by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) and generously sponsored by the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Kohima, Tuesday’s impactful ‘Dzükou Cleanliness Drive’ showcased a strong commitment to environmental preservation.
Enthusiastic Participation from Local Youth and Students:
Volunteers hailing from 13 villages of Southern Angami joined forces with the NSS unit of St. Joseph College Jakhama. Divided into six dedicated teams, they meticulously cleaned the trails leading to Dzükou from both the Jakhama and Viswema base camps, extending their efforts all the way to the guest house within the valley.
Earth Day Theme Emphasizes Renewable Energy and Collective Action:
Addressing the enthusiastic volunteers at the kick-off event in Jakhama ground, Zuthunglo Patton, Conservator of Forest (Southern Territorial Circle), highlighted the crucial theme of this year’s Earth Day: ‘Our Power, Our Planet’. She underscored the global focus on renewable energy sources, with a primary aim to triple renewable energy generation by the year 2030.
Drawing attention to the pressing environmental challenges, Patton cited the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report of 2025, revealing that five of the top ten risks facing the world are environmentally related.
She passionately called for collective action and lauded SAYO for their proactive role in organizing the cleanliness drive, recognizing their commitment, responsibility, and strong motivation towards safeguarding the planet.
Patton further emphasized that our very survival on Earth hinges on our daily choices and actions. She encouraged everyone to contribute their part, both individually and as communities.
“The cleanliness drive is not just an opportunity for the youth to contribute to a noble cause, but it will also play a vital role in building their confidence for the future,” she stated, expressing her hopeful anticipation for continued youth involvement in such crucial environmental initiatives.
SAYO Reiterates Lifelong Commitment to Dzükou’s Pristine Beauty:
Zasitsolie Beio, President of SAYO, eloquently reminded the gathering that caring for the majestic Dzükou Valley is not a singular event but rather a continuous, lifelong responsibility. He expressed pride in the volunteers who came forward to protect, preserve, and honour this natural treasure.
“Each piece of litter we remove is a significant step towards restoring the pristine beauty of Dzükou,” Beio asserted, urging everyone to actively participate in healing the Earth. “The actions we take today will undoubtedly serve as a powerful inspiration for future generations.”
He also proudly mentioned the World Earth Day Organisation’s recognition of SAYO’s dedicated service in protecting the Dzükou Valley.
Focusing on a Litter and Plastic-Free Dzükou:
Zhokedu Zhotso, Health & Environmental Secretary of SAYO, elaborated on the significance of the sanitation drive, highlighting that it directly addresses one of the five key ideas emphasized by the Earth Day Network this year: to free Dzükou Valley from the detrimental impact of litter and plastics.
The programme commenced with an invocation of God’s blessings by Kekhüseto Tase, Associate Pastor of Jakhama Baptist Church, setting a positive and purposeful tone for the day’s activities.
The Tata Mobile Union, Jakhama, played a crucial role by providing transportation for the volunteers to their designated cleaning locations. Furthermore, commemorative T-shirts were distributed to all the participating volunteers, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
