March 26, Kohima: MLA Achumbemo Kikon today called for greater responsibility among legislators to balance development with ecological protection.
Raising the issue of environment and climate change during Zero Hour in the Assembly, Mr. Kikon said that Nagaland is facing an escalating environmental crisis, with rising temperatures, extreme rainfall, and degrading natural resources threatening livelihoods and food security.
Mr. Kikon highlighted alarming environmental degradation across hill regions, with rivers and natural springs drying up due to deforestation and unchecked borewell use.
He emphasized the need to modernize jhum practices, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly while preserving their cultural essence.
He suggested several measures, including tree plantation to re-vegetate and rejuvenate hilltops and streams, mandatory plastic waste cleanliness drives twice every month, proper waste disposal systems, and maintenance of plastic-free zones.
He also suggested banning sand mining, gravel extraction, and construction of toilets along riverbanks.
To address air pollution, he recommended relocating stone crushers outside town areas.
Describing climate change as an urgent challenge, Mr. Kikon said that all must think globally and act globally and urged collective responsibility from legislators, government agencies, and citizens.
