Officials along with the participants during the essay competition programme held at the conference hall of the Forest Office Complex in Kohima on June 3.
Kohima, June 4 (MExN): As part of the World Environment Day 2026 celebrations, the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change organised an essay competition in Kohima on the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future” aimed at promoting environmental awareness among students.
The competition was held on June 3 at the conference hall of the Forest Office Complex and witnessed participation from six schools in Kohima, with five students representing each institution.
Welcoming the participants, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kohima, Dr Sevono Seletsu encouraged the students to think broadly and express their ideas freely and confidently. She urged them to make the best use of the opportunity and put forth their finest efforts during the competition.
Addressing the students after the event, Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning and Development), Sidramappa M Chalkapure, stressed the importance of understanding environmental issues and creating awareness about their impact on human lives.
He noted that World Environment Day was being observed in various ways by organisations across the region and called upon students to become ambassadors of environmental conservation. He also thanked the participating schools and teachers, emphasising that awareness on conservation and climate change should extend beyond competitions and into the wider community.
Highlighting the need to conserve natural resources, Chalkapure cited simple everyday practices such as switching off lights when not in use and opting for public transport as practical steps towards environmental sustainability.
The participating schools were Fernwood School, R D Numal Memorial United School (RDNUMS), Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Dainty Buds School and Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
Following the competition, Chalkapure, Conservator of Forests (Planning and Training) Zuthunglo Patton and DFO Kohima Dr Sevono Seletsu distributed tokens of appreciation to all participating students.
Rahrane Bethel Zhoh of Class IX, Mezhür Higher Secondary School, secured the first prize in the competition. Livana K. Zhimomi of Class X, Fernwood School, won the second prize, while Keduvinu Kharutso of Class X, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, secured the third position.
The winners will receive their prizes from Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Village Guards, C L John, during the World Environment Day celebration on June 5 at the Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco Park.
