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Dimapur — With an aim was to shed light on the distinctive circumstances and explore strategies specifically on water-related issues in Kohima, North East India Water Talks (NEIWT), in collaboration with North East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) and Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS), New Delhi Regional Office, organised a ‘Water talk–Nagaland chapter’ on July 5 at Hotel Millennium, New Minister’s Hills, in Kohima.
An update from NEIWT stated that it is a platform aimed at fostering dialogue among passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the profound significance of water. Its objective was 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.
To gain insights, experiences and comprehending the nature of water-related work done and recommendations from a different organisation, governments departments and civil societies working and addressing water challenges, the one-day dialogue was organised in the form of discourse by providing a unique opportunity for representatives to delve into the specific water-related issues faced in Nagaland in general and Kohima in particular.
It stated that various representatives from Urban Development, Land Resources, IFAD Focus project, NEIDA, NSDMA, Eco-warriors, ISRN, students, and educators from Nagaland and other parts of Northeastern India like Assam and Tripura have shared valuable knowledge and experiences about water.
One of the notable representatives in the discourse was Dr. Tsielhotuo Rhutso, who is also an MLA from Kohima Town Assembly Constituency. It stated that Dr. Rhutso not only shared valuable insights on the prevailing water problems in Nagaland but also extended his support for future water projects.
Another distinguished representative was Ravindranath, an Ashoka fellow. It added that Ravindranath’s 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.
It stated that their presence and along with other representatives’ insights have added in-depth and a broader perspective to the collective efforts aimed at addressing the pressing water challenges. 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 of Nagaland were discussed.
During the discussion, the participants have raised concerns and the significance of documentation of 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.
“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,” the statement read.
It stated that the “North East India Water Talk: Nagaland Chapter” has been an enriching discussion, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse expertise and experiences converge to forge effective solutions. It expressed believe that by fostering an inclusive platform that embraces diverse perspectives and collective action would create a sustainable future where water is treasured, protected, equitably managed and commonly shared for the benefit of all.