DIMAPUR: Stating that groundwater management was a key indicator of sustainable development, especially in the context of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, emphasised the need to translate scientific data into informed policies and tangible programmes.
B. Henok was speaking at the district-level workshop on “Dissemination of Ground Water Data, Aquifer Mapping and Groundwater Management Plans of CGWB” organised by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Eastern Region, Guwahati, Ministry of Jal Shakti, at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, on February 17.
He pointed out that Kohima experiences excess water during monsoon and scarcity during lean seasons, and urged departments to utilise the scientific inputs effectively. The DC further informed that departments attending the workshop would be asked to submit recommendations so that a comprehensive proposal could be forwarded to the State Government.
He also welcomed the dignitaries and said the workshop aimed to disseminate findings of the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) studies, create awareness on groundwater management and quality issues, highlight case studies and share information on schemes under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Regional Director, CGWB (NER), Tapan Chakraborty, said the Board has been working in the North East for many years, undertaking groundwater exploration activities, particularly in Dimapur district. He highlighted that under NAQUIM 2.0, hill areas are now being given due importance, with studies in Kohima focusing on spring shed management and water scarcity issues. He stressed the need for water level and quality monitoring and urged stakeholders to integrate CGWB data for effective planning.
Guest of honour, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, Nagaland, Er. Thepfusalie Guozi, appreciated CGWB for organising the workshop. He observed that while Nagaland is blessed with freshwater streams rich in minerals, many sources are drying up or polluted. He emphasised sustainable management of natural resources, noting that groundwater accounts for nearly 30 per cent of freshwater resources and must be utilised optimally.
During the technical session, Scientist-C, CGWB, Shillong, Anenuo Pienyu, presented findings of aquifer mapping and spring shed management studies in Kohima district. Dr. S. S. Singh, Scientist-D, CGWB, NER, Guwahati, also highlighted the activities and mandates of CGWB.
The workshop included demonstrations on accessing data through web portals and GIS tools such as cgwbdata.gov.in, IN-GRESS and IndiaWRIS, followed by discussions and feedback sessions.
CGWB functions as the national apex agency under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with 18 Regional Offices across the country. In the North East, the Regional Office is located at Guwahati, Assam.
The workshop aimed to create awareness among officials, engineers, scientists, academicians and stakeholders to promote effective utilisation of groundwater data for sustainable governance and management.
