The rolling hills and vibrant valleys of Nagaland have cradled its people, culture and identity for generations. This land is not merely a geographical location; it is the very soul of existence, woven into songs, stories, and way of life. Its significance is deep, providing sustenance to farmers, sacred support to communities and a rich biodiversity that is the envy of the world. It is a sacred trust passed down from ancestors, a legacy Naga people are duty-bound to preserve for their children.
Yet, this inheritance stands at an uncertain intersection. The undeniable urge for development, while promising progress and prosperity, has shown a destructive side; the relentless excavation of hills for infrastructure projects scars the landscape, leading to erosion and landslides. The forests, the lungs of our land and a basin of life, are receding, disrupting delicate ecosystems.
Adding to this physical destruction is the menace of pollution. Our once-pristine rivers and streams, the lifelines of the communities, are now choked with plastic waste and sullied by unchecked runoff. In the towns, the problem of solid waste management is visibly escalating, with garbage heaps becoming a common eyesore and a health hazard. The air, once crisp and clean, is increasingly tainted by fumes from growing numbers of vehicles and generators. This pollution is not just a visual issue; it is a direct damage on health, water security and the very sanctity of the environment.
The way forward demands a collective awakening and a conscious shift in the people’s approach. There is a compelling need to champion a model of development that is in harmony with our ecological context, not one that works against it. This begins with stringent enforcement of environmental laws and the promotion of green building techniques that minimize land alteration. The Naga people’s way of traditional practices of conservation, which respected the balance of nature, must be revisited and integrated into modern planning.
Furthermore, waste management must be taken seriously in every home, village and town. Robust waste segregation, recycling initiatives, and a firm rejection of single-use plastics are no longer options but necessities. Community-led clean-up drives, coupled with sustained public awareness campaigns, can reignite a sense of shared responsibility for our surroundings.
One must awaken to the responsibility now, to ensure future generations inherit a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Nagaland.
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