CM Rio inaugurates two water supply projects in Kohima district

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday inaugurated two projects—Water supply to 24 villages under NLCPR undertaken by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Nagaland

Apr 29, 2025

By Livine Khrozhoh

Nagaland

Neiphiu Rio, Jacob Zhimomi and others during the inauguration of the water supply project at Zhadima village on Tuesday. (EM Images)
KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday inaugurated two projects—Water supply to 24 villages under NLCPR at Balancing Reservoir Site, Zhadima village, and Development of Tourism-Related Infrastructure under NEISIDS at Touphema Tourist Village—in the presence of N Jacob Zhimomi, Minister of PHED and Cooperation.
The two projects were undertaken by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Nagaland.
Addressing the inaugural programme at Zhadima village in Kohima district, the chief minister said that the water project will bring much-needed relief to the area, addressing a long-standing water shortage issue.
Rio noted that the Northern Angami region faces water scarcity, except for Touphema village, which has preserved its forests for water conservation. He recalled that the region once had abundant water sources due to thick forests, but many have dried up.
As the representative of their constituency, he urged the villagers of Zhadima and Nerhema to reach out to him directly if they encounter any issues, assuring that problems would be resolved amicably.

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He also reminded that while the PHED can build infrastructure, it's up to the public to maintain and conserve the areas to ensure sustainable water supply.
“So to get water, it is the duty of the people to give full cooperation and conserve the trees and protect the areas”, he said.
Rio also urged local youths to acquire plumbing skills, enabling them to support their communities instead of relying solely on the government. He noted that with the state no longer advertising separate plumber posts, self-sufficiency through training would be beneficial.
Further, informing the state government owns only 4% of the forest area, while 96% is privately owned, he called upon the public to take responsibility for preserving these private forests.
Even if the PHED bring tap connectivity but if there are no water sources, it is useless, he said and added, “It is the responsibility of the public to protect and conserve water”.
Water security a challenge in Nagaland — Minister Zhimomi
In his address, PHED Minister N Jacob Zhimomi said that providing water supply in Nagaland poses many challenges given the hilly terrain, but the department is working hard to address water shortage issues.
He mentioned that under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme, the department is working to bring tap connections to all villages, regardless of water availability.
However, he noted that while tap connectivity is being implemented as per the scheme, the lack of water sources means there's often no water to supply, and this issue has been communicated to the central ministry, he said.
Zhimomi also stated that while 100% tap water connectivity under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme is yet to be completed, the department is working towards achieving full coverage by 2028 as per central government directives.
Further, he noted that Kohima district faces significant water crisis issues, but the department is actively working on solutions. He appealed for public patience, assuring that multiple programmes are underway to bring water to villages.
Emphasising that human activities are depleting water sources, the minister urged the public to maintain ecological balance.
Representatives from Zhadima and Nerhema village councils also delivered short addresses.
Among others, the event was attended by Dr. Kekhrie Yhome, Advisor of School Education and SCERT; MLA Kevipodi Sophie; Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, Advisor to the Chief Minister, and other department officials.
Chief Engineer, PHED, Leyang Khiamniungan informed that the water project, sanctioned in 2009 at an approved cost of INR 2,626.41 lakh by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, began in 2010. Despite technical and implementation hurdles, the project is now nearing completion and ready for commissioning.
The chief engineer also informed that the development of tourism-related infrastructure project (drinking water supply) at Tuophema Tourist Village was sanctioned in 2019 under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) at an approved cost of INR 313.94 lakh.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

Nagaland Districts

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Eastern Mirror

CM Rio inaugurates two water supply projects in Kohima district

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