Consultative meeting on Barak river basin management held in Kohima

DIMAPUR — A consultative meeting on Barak river basin management plan and collaboration between Indian-EU initiative and Brahmaputra Board was held at the chief secretary’s conference hall, Kohima, on Tuesday.

Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Laura Sustersic, in her introductory remarks, said that the strategic partnership between the EU and India aims to share best practices, adapt European experiences to the Indian context, and develop sustainable solutions for managing water resources, a DIPR report stated.

Sustersic emphasised that water management is a critical area for cooperation, supporting economic development, peace, security, agriculture, fisheries, energy, and the environment.

She also highlighted GIZ's role in implementing projects to support India in water management, focusing on the Ganges Brahmaputra hydrological system and the Barak River basin.

She further said that Nagaland must prioritise environmentally friendly sustainable development options and find ways to protect its beautiful natural environment while still pursuing development goals.

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Chairman of Brahmaputra Board, Dr. Ranbir Singh, said that water shortage is a very serious issue faced by Nagaland and highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue to ensure water security in the state.

Singh said that since Nagaland also falls under water basins, it is important to understand the issues, challenges and problems in Nagaland’s water basins and identify potential areas for development.

He further highlighted the importance of equity and sustainability in water management planning, urging stakeholders to work together to manage water resources responsibly for future generations.

Chief Secretary Dr. J Alam, in his remarks, stated that five districts in Nagaland have been declared as water distress districts despite receiving plenty of rainfall. The chief secretary also informed that Nagaland still faces acute shortage of water, especially during lean seasons.

Alam said that various projects taken up by the Brahmaputra Board have been very helpful to the state and the Barak river basin management plan will also be equally beneficial for the state.

He remarked that the project will open up many opportunities for future action plans and also help in connecting with the right people for making further future plans in regard to water management in the state.

He urged the Brahmaputra Board to make a separate plan for the state of Nagaland so it can best leverage the resources available in terms of water management within the state for the benefit of the state.

The chief secretary thanked the Brahmaputra Board and team, praising their expertise and knowledge, and expressed anticipation for their continued collaboration on future water conservation projects.

IEWI/GIZ team presented a PowerPoint presentation on ‘Overview of the India-EU partnership and achievements in river basin management.’

General Manager of Brahmaputra Board, Abhay Kumar, delivered the closing remarks on the Barak Basin management plan, while Chief Engineer, WRD, Thepfusalie Gozie offered the vote of thanks.

During the open discussion session, senior officials of various line departments highlighted their challenges and prospects about the project.