Kohima: Southern Dzükou, in the state of Nagaland was officially declared a ‘Plastic Free Zone’ on 5th June, at Viswema Dzükou entry point with Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports, Er. Zale Neikha dedicating a monolith on the occasion, bearing testimony of Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) to preserve and protect the Dzükou valley.

Zale commended the SAYO volunteers for taking the responsibility to make Dzükou plastic free. With Dzükou being one of the most sought after destination in the state, he exhorted the Angami Youth Organisation and all stakeholders to be united and make efforts to preserve and protect Dzükou. Zale also urged various organisations in the region to take up initiative of beautifying the valley and requested the concerned department to assist and take up developmental work in the valley for ecotourism.

While lauding the efforts of Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) on its resolution to ban hunting in Angami area Zale reminded that it is the duty of every stakeholder to abide and preserve its flora and fauna.

AYO President, said that on 10th August 2010 all Youth Organisation in Angami area adopted a resolution to protect and preserve its land, vegetation, flora and fauna for which press release were issued banning hunting and burning of forest. He cautioned that inability to preserve and protect natural resources will lead to serious ecological imbalance in the long run.

Director Tourism, Akhale Vizol lauding the SAYO for making Dzükou plastic free zone said that strict checking at the entry point will ensure that plastics carried into Dzükou are not disposed off in the valley. She added that Dzükou has the potential to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site if it is properly maintained and preserved.