Zunheboto DPDB endorses community-led environmental responsibility model

A view of Zunheboto Government College. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Zunheboto | July 18 A proposal to institutionalise community participation in environmental conservation and sustainable development through a Community Social Responsibility (ComSR) Model was placed before the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Zunheboto, on Saturday by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Obed Bohovi Swu, marking what could become a pioneering approach towards community-led environmental governance in Nagaland. Presented during the monthly DPDB meeting chaired by Advisor and DPDB Chairman K Tokugha Sukhalu, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, the proposal advocates moving beyond conventional government-led conservation programmes by encouraging every section of society to voluntarily contribute towards environmental protection and community development. The proposal, which also includes a Green Campus Initiative pilot project at the district’s lone college, Zunheboto Government College, received the endorsement of the Board, paving the way for further implementation and coordination among departments and stakeholders. Speaking during the presentation, Swu observed that environmental degradation, climate change, increasing waste generation and unsustainable utilisation of natural resources have become pressing concerns that require collective action rather than isolated departmental interventions. He emphasised that while government departments have been implementing various afforestation and conservation programmes, sustainable environmental protection can only be achieved when communities themselves become active stakeholders in preserving and improving their surroundings. Unlike the widely known concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which places social obligations on business organisations, the proposed Community Social Responsibility (ComSR) framework seeks to extend the principle of responsibility to every segment of society. Under the proposed model, government offices, educational institutions, village councils, churches, youth organisations, self-help groups, civil society organisations and individual citizens would be encouraged to voluntarily undertake activities that contribute to environmental sustainability and public welfare. According to the proposal, the initiative aims to cultivate a culture where environmental stewardship becomes a shared social responsibility rather than the exclusive mandate of government agencies. Communities would be encouraged to organise regular plantation drives, maintain public spaces, undertake sanitation campaigns, protect water sources, conserve biodiversity, reduce plastic waste and support local environmental restoration efforts. Swu noted that community ownership remains one of the most effective tools for ensuring the long-term success of development initiatives. Projects implemented with active public participation, he pointed out, are generally better maintained and generate greater awareness among citizens, particularly the younger generation. As part of the broader proposal, the DFO also introduced a Green Campus Initiative to be piloted at Zunheboto Government College. The initiative envisions transforming the college into a model eco-friendly institution through integrated environmental management practices. The proposed Green Campus would promote large-scale tree plantation, landscaping, scientific waste management, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation, water conservation measures and environmentally sustainable campus practices. It also seeks to encourage students and faculty members to actively participate in environmental activities through awareness programmes, volunteer campaigns and practical conservation exercises. The DFO stated that educational institutions serve as ideal platforms for cultivating environmentally responsible citizens, as students can translate classroom knowledge into practical action while inspiring similar initiatives within their communities. The proposal further aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), which encourages experiential learning, sustainable development and community engagement as integral components of higher education. Members of the DPDB reportedly appreciated the proposal, recognising its potential to strengthen collaboration between government departments and the community while fostering a stronger sense of ownership over public resources and environmental assets. “If implemented effectively, the ComSR framework could emerge as one of the first district-level models in Nagaland dedicated to institutionalising community participation in environmental governance,” Swu added.