NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon recently voiced serious concerns about climate change and environmental damage in Nagaland. During a session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, he stressed the importance of acting locally while keeping global issues in mind. He noted that climate change is a major challenge for everyone and that protecting the environment benefits all communities.
Kikon highlighted how different nations fare regarding environmental quality. For instance, Finland ranks high in happiness partly due to its clean environment, whereas India ranks 116 out of 195 countries according to a 2026 report. He pointed to Bhutan as an example of effective environmental preservation, being a carbon-negative country.
He warned that climate change leads to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity. In light of this, he urged for a focus on renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable living practices.
In India, balancing economic growth with environmental protection is tricky. Kikon mentioned that average temperatures have risen by approximately 0.7°C from 1901 to 2018. A 2019 study revealed India as the seventh most vulnerable country to extreme weather events, which results in significant personal and economic losses.
Specifically for Nagaland, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall pose increasing threats, particularly in areas like Phek, Tuensang, and Kohima. Traditional farming practices, such as jhum cultivation, are struggling due to climate challenges and soil degradation. Alarmingly, Nagaland experienced 48 days of extreme weather just last year, and urban areas like Dimapur are feeling the heat more than ever.
Kikon pointed to environmental issues in hilly areas, like dwindling rivers and springs, largely due to deforestation and poor land use. He suggested re-vegetation with local species and restricting borewell drilling in sensitive regions.
Urban pollution is another pressing issue. He expressed concern about plastic waste and sewage contaminating rivers, impacting communities downstream, especially around Doyang reservoir. Kikon called on the government to implement better waste management practices, including setting up designated disposal sites.
The pollution of rivers like the Chathe and Dhansiri in Dimapur is linked to sewage, construction debris, and unregulated sand mining. He urged for stricter rules and increased accountability for polluters.
When it comes to air quality, Kohima and Dimapur are struggling. Kikon noted that construction dust, vehicle emissions, and waste burning mostly contribute to high pollution levels. He is advocating for stricter monitoring and the relocation of polluting industries.
Kikon raised alarms about unregulated coal mining, describing it as harmful for the environment. He pointed out serious violations like not restoring mined areas, which can lead to water contamination. He criticized the current coal mining framework and suggested pausing coal mining licenses until adequate safety measures are in place.
In closing, Kikon called for urgent collective action to protect the environment, emphasizing the need for sustainable and responsible development for the sake of future generations.
As climate issues intensify globally, local initiatives like these can make a significant difference. Statistics show that investing in renewable resources not only helps the planet but also boosts local economies. For example, renewable energy sectors are projected to create millions of jobs worldwide by 2030, illustrating that environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand.
For more insights on sustainable development practices, you can explore resources from organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme.
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