Alice Yhoshu
Problems related to water extend across all dimensions from local to global levels. Nagaland is no exception. Despite the nature-endowed lush forests and ideal climate with water sources aplenty, most of the towns in Nagaland are found wanting when it comes to potable water supply.
Even the state’s capital “city” is perpetually in the grip of water crisis. Shortage of water supply in Kohima is said to have less to do with water scarcity and more with factors relating to social and land issues, lack of water management, water cooperation, water treatment and sanitation issues. Coupled with this, is the glaring issue of climate change. The state has reportedly seen a marginal decrease of annual rainfall in the recent years and experts are worried that water sources are drying up and availability is slowly decreasing.
Water problem is amplified during the dry season (November through March) and the shortage afflicts the citizens more severely. Many people spend hours at end in long queues, devoid of the time of day during this season to collect just a bucket of potable water from perennial sources like wells.
When it comes to the aspect of public water supply, there is apparently no proper ratio between the demand and supply. Against an average requirement of 15 million liters per day (MLD) as per the population of Kohima, the Public Health Engineering Department is reportedly able to acquire only 1.5 MLD for supply. This insufficient but precious amount of water is collected from the three existing water sources – Dzüna (Jotsoma), and Dzücharü and Zasogei (Phesama). The department expects to see an increase of water supply to the citizens of the capital town when the Zarü (Mima) project is complete. With an additional 3.8 MLD from this source, the total quantity for supply may still fall way short of the public requirement but is expected to provide a respite for consumers.
Against the backdrop of shortage in public water supply, private water supply systems in the town through cable and water tankers are seen as a godsend for the people who can afford the rates. But the less privileged are the ones who suffer throughout the year. At an average, a family of 4-5 members is calculated to use up 1000 litres in three to four days.
Although the monsoon brings relief to the people as groundwater sources accumulate, there is still a gaping need for water education not just in Kohima but across the state. Conservation of water, awareness on affordable rainwater harvesting system and technology, using water economically etc. are the main areas which the people in general must be educated. On the other hand, the people themselves need to put in some enthusiasm and give efforts to learn, so as to mitigate the long-lasting water problem.
