UKHRUL: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Pughoboto Division, Zünheboto, organised a mass tree plantation drive on Friday in observance of World Environment Day 2026, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The programme was organised under the initiative of the NPF Central Office and NPF Pughoboto Division in collaboration with the Pughoboto Sub-Divisional Administration and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Nagaland.
As part of the drive, fruit-bearing and other tree saplings were planted around office compounds and along roadside stretches to enhance green cover and promote environmental sustainability. Party leaders, members, volunteers and officials participated in the plantation programme.
Addressing the gathering, Y. Vikheho Swu, President of the NPF Central Farmers’ Wing, said World Environment Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and preserve the natural environment. He stressed that tree planting has become a necessity in view of increasing deforestation caused by developmental activities and warned that shrinking forest cover has contributed to rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and more frequent natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
He highlighted the vital role of trees in preventing soil erosion, conserving water sources, reducing flooding and maintaining ecological balance. Swu also urged people to care for and protect saplings after planting them, stating that environmental conservation does not end with planting a tree but requires sustained efforts to ensure its survival and growth.
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Deputy Range Officer, Pughoboto, Vinoto K. Rochill lauded the initiative of the NPF and described the plantation drive as a meaningful contribution towards environmental protection and community participation.
The programme was chaired by Viyikhu Q. Wotsa, President of NPF Pughoboto Division, while the invocation prayer was offered by Aghali Sheqi, Women Pastor, PTBC.
Organised as part of the global observance of World Environment Day, the event aimed to raise awareness on environmental protection and encourage community involvement in conservation efforts. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding nature and creating a cleaner, greener and healthier environment for future generations.