The Tseminyu District Green Initiative (TDGI) officially launched Phase-I of its ambitious roadside beautification plantation drive on May 23rd at the Deputy Commissioner’s Complex. This significant event marks a major step towards environmental restoration and the promotion of green tourism throughout the district, aiming to transform Tseminyu into Nagaland’s first model green district.
Extensive Plantation Drive Across Tseminyu and Chunlikha Blocks
The plantation campaign will run until June 10th, targeting all villages within the Tseminyu and Chunlikha blocks. The focus is on roadsides and agri-link routes, emphasizing a district-wide approach to greening. TDGI’s core vision is to foster an equitable and sustainable environment through inclusive action, involving all sectors of society, from local communities to government bodies.
Community-Led Implementation for Long-Term Success
To ensure effective implementation and sustainability, each village is tasked with identifying suitable roadside plantation zones, particularly near village entry points and routes leading to tourism spots or landmarks. The Tseminyu Town Council will manage similar efforts within the town area.
Villages are required to form dedicated sub-committees led by the Village Council Chairman, including representatives from the VDB Secretary, RSZ, RSU, youth pastors, and forest committee members. In urban areas, the Town Council Chairperson will head an Urban Sub-Committee. These committees will be responsible for coordinating the plantation efforts, ensuring ongoing care for the saplings, and promoting local participation through various community groups like churches, youth organizations, and self-help groups.
Awareness and Accountability
Throughout the plantation period, awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate the public on the importance of the initiative. All activities must be thoroughly documented with photos and summaries and reported to the District Coordination Committee, ensuring transparency and accountability. TDGI strongly encourages every village and town to actively participate and share responsibility for the long-term success of this vital drive.
Launch Event Highlights Collaboration and Commitment
The launching ceremony, chaired by Ruchinilo Kemp, Member Secretary of TDGI, saw strong participation from key stakeholders including the Rengma Village Council Chairman Forum (RVCCF), Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ), Rengma Students’ Union (RSU), Tseminyu Town Council, and the Kenono Foundation. The event commenced with a scripture reading and prayer led by Rev. Haiwalo Apon, Executive Secretary, Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC).
Zukeya Woch, TDGI Co-Convener, outlined the project’s objectives and operational guidelines, emphasizing a commitment to quality plantation over quantity. The immediate target for this phase is 25,000 saplings, primarily focusing on indigenous species such as cherry and bauhinia.
Kikumsungla Jamir, ADC Tseminyu and Convener of TDGI, delivered the keynote address, commending the collaborative spirit of all involved. She urged every stakeholder to nurture the newly planted saplings “like family” to ensure their survival and growth, expressing strong confidence that Tseminyu is poised to become a model for environmental stewardship in Nagaland.
The drive was formally inaugurated with a ceremonial planting of saplings by ADC Tseminyu and the Executive Secretary of CRBC, symbolizing a collective commitment to a greener future for the district.
The Tseminyu District Green Initiative (TDGI) represents a powerful testament to collective action and a shared vision for a sustainable future. By uniting local communities, government bodies, and various organizations, Tseminyu is not only embarking on a journey of environmental restoration but also laying the groundwork for a thriving green tourism sector. The emphasis on community-led implementation, awareness, and accountability ensures that this ambitious plantation drive is not just a temporary campaign but a sustained effort towards transforming Tseminyu into Nagaland’s first model green district. The successful launch of Phase-I, marked by enthusiastic participation and a clear commitment to nurturing indigenous species, instills confidence that Tseminyu’s green dream is well on its way to becoming a vibrant reality.