‘Water Talk-Nagaland Chapter’ held in Kohima

Morung Express News
Kohima | July 6

In collaboration with NEADS (North East Affected Area Development Society) and Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) New Delhi Regional Office, the North East India Water Talks (NEIWT) organised the ‘Water Talk-Nagaland Chapter’ at Hotel Millennium, Kohima on July 5. 

NE India Water Talks is a platform aimed at fostering dialogue among passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the profound significance of water. Its objective is to enhance the effectiveness of local stakeholders in water management decision-making processes and create a collaborative workspace for those involved in water-related initiatives in the Northeast region of India. 

As part of this initiative, NE India Water Talk, to gain insights, experiences and comprehending the nature of water-related work done and recommendations from a different organization, governments departments and civil societies working and addressing water challenges, one day dialogue was organized in a form of discourse providing a unique opportunity for representatives or discussants to delve into the specific water-related issues faced in Nagaland in general and Kohima in particular.  

To engage in collaborative dialogue and share valuable knowledge and experiences about water, various representative have been involved in the dialogue like Urban Development, Land resources, IFAD Focus project, NEIDA, NSDMA, Eco-warriors, ISRN, students, educators, and various representatives from Nagaland and other parts of Northeastern India like Assam and Tripura.

The aim was to shed light on the distinctive circumstances and explore strategies specifically water-related issues in Kohima. 

Addressing the occasion, Dr Tsielhotuo Rhutso, MLA from Kohima town A/C not only shared valuable insights on the prevailing water problems in Nagaland but has also extended his support for future water projects. 

Ravindranath, an Ashoka fellow shared from his expertise in various aspects of water problems, causes, implementation, and the importance of a water policy for the state have been of immense value to the discussions. 

Various issues like irregular water supply, unequal distribution of water, inadequate maintaining water pipes etc. and other various caused of water crisis like the growth of urban population, depletion of ground water without any recharge system, rainfall inconsistency, drying up water sources like springs, unsystematic planning of water infrastructure, deforestation, inadequate plastic waste management, and drought-like situation etc. witnessed both in the Kohima town and other parts/villages of Nagaland were discussed. 

During the talk, the participants and discussants raised concerns and the significance of documentation of the traditional management system of water that could be a way out for safeguarding the water sources and recharging ground water by a method like rooftop rainwater harvesting and emphasizes the need for reciprocal benefits to the communities who owned water sources.

The meeting served as a reminder of the shared responsibility and collective action required to address the region’s water crisis. It was seen as a catalyst for future endeavors, encouraging participants to work together and leverage their expertise. The intention was to bridge gaps, foster dialogue, and forge collaborations that transcend individual fields of expertise.