Etsutchukha shows signs of recovery; borewell drilling banned in Wokha

The Etsutchukha water source, which supplies nearly 60 percent of Wokha town, has begun to show early signs of recovery after a prolonged period of depletion, bringing cautious relief to residents.
The source, which had fallen to critically low levels and disrupted water supply across large parts of the town, is now witnessing a gradual return of flow. While the improvement remains limited, officials noted it as a positive shift from the severe scarcity experienced in recent months.
A meeting of concerned departments and stakeholders was held to review the condition of the source and discuss measures for sustainable management.
Meanwhile, Wokha Town Council (WTC) has imposed a complete ban on borewell drilling within its jurisdiction, citing the alarming decline of the Etsutchukha source. The order prohibits new borewell drilling for domestic, commercial, and agricultural purposes, as well as deepening or re-drilling of existing borewells and any groundwater extraction without prior authorization.
Beyond Etsutchukha, similar improvements are being observed across the district, with several rivers and streams that had reduced significantly now carrying water again. Officials indicated that the changes may be linked to recent rainfall or seasonal variations, though uncertainty remains over whether water levels will return to normal.