Staff Reporter
Describing land and water as the “most valuable natural resources”, state chief minister Neiphiu Rio Saturday urged upon the people to adopt better practices in utilization of water, which caters to the needs of all.
Rio said this during the inauguration of the Hydrology Project Convention Centre (HPCC) at EE Investigation call, 4th Mile, here besides commissioning of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) and Peizometer, constructed under National Hydrology Project (NHP).
While stressing on water management, Rio said “mother Earth” provided human needs but not greed and that people should take care of the environment that helps sustain life of all living beings. Citing the example of states having water disputes with their neighbours during dry seasons, the chief minister opined that Nagaland could also face the same scenario if citizens fail to conserve water.
He also expressed grave concern over shrinking and drying streams, rivers and traditional wells due to excessive usage of water.
Taking the example of Israel, which is renowned for skills in management of water, Rio urged upon the people to practise conservation of water. He said over 70% of the state population were engaged in agriculture and allied sectors. Rio expressed hope that the newly inaugurated HPCC would meet the needs of all.
Rio also expressed hope that the facility would go a long way in helping the state improve management of water and its uses in farming and industrial sector, including domestic sector. He also acknowledged the department for putting up hard work and dedication.
Meanwhile, advisor water resources, Namri Nchang, informed that HPCC was constructed under the NHP. He said that the ministry of water resources, river development and ganga rejuvenation was coordinating the implementation of NHP as a central sector scheme with World Bank assistance.
Nchang said approval of the union cabinet for implementation of NHP was conveyed on June 23, 2016 for duration of eight years. He said that under the project, the department was able to establish hydro-meteorological observation networks and Real Time Data Acquisition Systems (RTDAS). “RTDAS consists of a telemetric network of automated rainfall stations, automated weather stations and water level recording stations along the major rivers,” Nchang stated.
He said it was imperative to check the quality and constituents of water, be it for domestic, industrial or farming purposes. “I presume that with these initiatives, days are not far when the state of Nagaland will be at par with all the leading mainland states in the areas of water resources management,” he stated.
Short speech was also delivered by chief engineer, WRD and nodal officer (NHP), Er Hotovi Ayemi, while welcome address and technical report delivered by executive engineer and project manager, HPCC (NHP), WRD, Er Keduvizo Sophie and vote of thanks proposed by superintending engineer and deputy nodal officer (NHP), WRD, Er Chubasashi Chang.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by secretary, project coordinator (NHP), WRD, Kevisa Kense and invocation was offered SBC Diphupar deacon, Azhebo Shohe.
