PHEK, June 8 (MExN): Over 5,000 people across Phek district participated in World Environment Day 2025, organized by the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) in collaboration with the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO), in a district-wide campaign focused on plastic pollution, tree plantation, and sustainable waste management.
The official launch event was held at Clock Tower, Phek Town, and was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner of Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, NCS. In his address, the DC stressed that environmental action should not be limited to a single day. “World Environment Day should not be just a one-day celebration but a year-round practice to improve the environment and live in a healthy world,” he said. He highlighted the urgent need to combat plastic pollution through household-level plastic segregation and called for increased social responsibility.
CYF President Kevesa Khama, in his welcome address, stressed that the day’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution”, was “more than just a slogan—it is a global call to action.” He thanked partner organizations such as the Phek Town Council, Phek Town Public Forum, Phek Town Youth Society, Phek Town Chakhesang Students’ Union, and the Phek District Chamber of Commerce & Industries for coordinating the district-level kickoff.
The event included a pledge by around 400 participants to “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” as part of the global effort to fight plastic waste. Vesatolü Cürhah led a prayer for the program, while CYF Vice President Nüveta Khesoh chaired the event. Short addresses were delivered by CPO General Secretary Chepetso Kozo and Phek Town Council Chairperson Shevohu Nienu.
A special focus of the day was the 500-meter waste segregation and audit around Clock Tower as part of The Himalayan Cleanup (THC), a pan-Himalayan movement initiated in 2018 to address single-use plastic pollution in mountain regions. The audit revealed that key contributors to waste included pet bottles, multilayer packaging, tetrapaks, and other single-use plastics. Brands identified as top polluters included Perfetti Van Melle India Ltd, Som Silver Supari Pvt. Ltd., and Pepsico, underscoring the ongoing need for corporate accountability in waste management.
Beyond the kickoff site, simultaneous activities were carried out in villages and towns across Phek district. These included tree planting drives, nurturing of saplings from previous years, awareness campaigns, and local waste audits. CYF and CPO leaders visited several sites to monitor and encourage participation.
An award for “Best Performing Unit” is set to be announced after data is collected from each area, recognizing efforts in innovation, waste management, and biodiversity conservation.
