Nagaland Wednesday joined the world in observing “World Water Day” to highlight the importance of water and raise awareness about the global water crisis under 2023 theme, “Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.”
Kohima: The “World Water Day” was observed by around 50 villages under Kohima district in a programme organised by Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Kohima Rural division and sponsored by Sanitation and Water & Sanitation Support Organisation (WSSO), PHED, Nagaland at the PHED Kohima Rural division office.
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Engineer, PHED, Kohima Urban division, Er. Subongyanger said “World Water Day 2023” was about “accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis,” and shared that there was an urgent need to “accelerate change, to go beyond business as usual.”
He said, “Water affects everyone, so we need everyone to take action.”
Er. Subongyanger also dwelt on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6, which is about clean water and sanitation for all.
Speaking on the theme of 2023, “Accelerating change”, District Coordinator, PHED, Kohima division, Ashale Seb said that it needed concerted efforts of all stakeholders to bring about positive change in Nagaland. Sharing an action list, she stressed on certain lifestyle changes that could help in saving water.
During the programme, 25 villages under Kohima district were declared Open Defecation-Free (ODF) plus by sanitation and hygiene consultant, PHED, Kohima division, Virhelie Kruneilie, while informing that the rest of the villages would follow suit. ODF plus resolution was administered to all participants by WATSAN chairman, Chiephobozou, Thepfulhou Theünuo. A Field-Testing Kit (FTK) user, Neilabeinuo Kense from Tuophema shared her experience in the field of water testing and monitoring.
Mon: Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Mon Division observed the World Water Day with the students of Pinnacle School, Totok Chingnyu Village, Mon block.
Wokha: District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Wokha division observed “World Water Day” at Government High School (GHS) Englan Village, with the aim to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management practices.
At the programme, district co-ordinator, Chuba Longchar highlighted the present global crisis and its impact on communities around the world. Longchar also underscored the need for sustainable water management practices and the importance of access to clean and safe water as a basic human right. The event was attended by students, teachers and members of the local community. Students also participated in essay writing and paintings aimed at promoting water conservation and sustainable water use.
Zunheboto: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Zunheboto in collaboration with department of Soil and Water Conservation, Zunheboto district observed “World Water Day” on the theme “Accelerating change” at Zhekiye village, under Satakha block, Zunheboto.
In an introduction of the programme, DSCO & PD ATMA Zunheboto, Hetoho Y. Swu highlighted the importance and judicious use of water and the need to preserve water source by retaining the vegetative cover, and also the tree line around the water bodies.
Resource person, ATM Suruhuto Block, Er. Kaoto Sema gave a presentation on “Per drop, More crop”, where he explained the various irrigation systems and the schemes available in the state. He laid emphasis on rain water harvesting and maintaining cover crop to reduce run off around the water sources.
DGC: Dimapur Government College (DGC) Jal Shakti Team observed “World Water Day 2023” under the theme, “Catch the rain where it falls, when it falls” on March 22 by creating an awareness walk on the theme and sensitisation programme.
SIB: Commemorating “World Water Day,” South Indian Bank (SIB) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project installed a water purifier at Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima. The purifier was inaugurated by chief manager, regional office, Kolkata, Muralimohan D.
No 1 Nagaland Air Squadron, NCC: The No 1 Nagaland Air Squadron, NCC under the aegis of NCC Group HQs Kohima conducted an awareness campaign on the occasion of World Water Day at the Eastern Christian College, Dimapur.
200 cadets participated in the event and took out a rally at Purana Bazar, Dimapur, and interacted with the locals by spreading the message on the importance of water as a valuable resource.
During the event, a lecture cum interaction was conducted with Akangmeren Imchen, Scientist B of Nagaland Pollution Control Board as the resource person.
PCC (A): The day was also observed at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) under the theme “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis,” with focus on challenges, shortages and preservation of water, among others.
The event was organised by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Eastern Region, under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
On the occasion, chief guest and chairman Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), Rusovil John, IFS (rtd) highlighted the significance of water for humans and how it was essential for survival as well prevention of various diseases.
He also talked about the challenges of managing water in Nagaland, including the decreasing groundwater level due to population pressure in towns and cities.
To meet various challenges, he called for sustained campaign to spread awareness, sensitising the general public and working together to address the water crisis and sanitation issues.
Guest of honour and EAC, Chümoukedima Seyiekhrietuo Solo described water as “future currency” and spoke on the issue of water shortage in towns and cities in Nagaland.
Presiding over the proceedings, Regional Director CGWB North Eastern Region, Suresh Chandra Kapil emphasized on the importance conservation of water in India.
Earlier, the event began with a welcome and key note address by CGWB, and concluded with rendition of few lines from the poem, “I Am Water” by Renu Rakheja.
