Nagaland observes ‘World Water Day’ with a call to conserve water

Dimapur, March 22 (EMN): Commemorating the ‘World Water Day,’ the department of Public Health Engineering (PHED) organised a silent rally in Dimapur beginning from The Morung Express junction to DDSC Stadium on March 22 on the theme “Ground water - Making the invisible visible.”

Speaking at the inaugural programme, the executive engineer of PHED (Urban), Dimapur, Bendangtola Walling spoke on the importance of conserving groundwater and propagated rain water harvesting and groundwater recharge. She pointed out that the importance of water cannot be emphasised enough as it is the elixir of life and one needs to realise that every drop is precious.

Later, she later flagged off the silent rally.

In a press release, the IEC consultant of PHED, Dimapur rural division, Vibou Seyie, informed that the inaugural programme saw huge participation of students from schools and colleges in and around Dimapur.

Also speaking on the occasion, the district chemist, Tzutipokla Longkumer, urged the upcoming generation to lead from the front and start the journey of conservation from now on to ensure a bright future. She stated that water sources need to be conserved and not wasted or exploited while harping on various water contaminants.

Report stated that the pledge was administered by Miss Nagaland 2021, Mharoni Khuvung. Prizes for the best posters (open to all schools and colleges of Dimapur) were also given by Adrian Mahung, secretary of AOKS.

In a related programme, PHED Kohima rural division, in collaboration with Tesophenyu village youth fraternity, observed ‘World Water Day’ at Tesophenyu community hall along with WATSAN committee, Tesophenyu village council and the public.

Speaking at the programme, Mezivil Kikhi, SDO (PHED) Kohima rural division, stated that the day is observed every year “to raise awareness on the global water crisis” and “to inspire people around the world to learn more about water-related issues and to take action for making a difference.” He added that observing the day provides a platform to achieve the UN’s sustainable goal of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.

Pointing out that adverse climate change, pollution and over exploitation of water resources have led to a severe water crisis, Mezivil urged the gathering to pledge to save water from being polluted and take care of the environment.

The deputy commissioner of Tseminyu, Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi, has lauded the PHED for undertaking a commendable job. Throwing light that one person out of three persons do not have access to clean water, Dr. Chusi stated that the "Ground Water Act" would become a reality soon for long term planning and sustainable development.

He called upon the youth and community leaders to find ways and means to save water and added that it could be made possible through the concerted efforts of all to adopt afforestation.

Sharing concerns on the "Ill effects of consuming contaminated water," Dziesetseinuo Kiso, chemist of PHED Kohima division, encouraged the community to clean source of water using bleaching powder every three months and also test water for consumption to stay fit and healthy.

Students and faculty of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) also observed ‘World Water Day’ on March 22 during its morning Sarvodaya session.

It stated that Kuputoli spoke on the importance of water and called upon the gathering to renew their commitment to conserve water. She stated that groundwater is an important component and a source of recharge for lakes, rivers and wetlands.

She encouraged the participants to take care of the groundwater and spread awareness to people around them. She further urged all the participants to make each day a water day and make water conservation a style of life.

Mokokchung district also observed ‘World Water Day’ in all the AB-HWC of the district. Health education was taught by community health officers on the importance of safe drinking water, contamination of water, effects of unsafe water on health and prevention of water borne diseases.

Meanwhile, Guardian Network Foundation along with the PHE, Land Resources, Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation departments jointly observed the ‘World Water Day’ at Tiyi Hall in Wokha town.

The special guest and additional deputy commissioner of Wokha, Lankonsen T Tsanglao, has called for proper maintenance of water bodies and streams.

The executive engineer of Water Resources, Wokha, S Benri Kithan, has stressed on the need to understand groundwater system and for proper management, while a resource person from the department of Soil and Water Conservation has called for proper management and conservation of water resources and urged all to put heads together to address the issue for a lasting solution.

Land Resources Officer, Wokha, Tepunol Yore, informed that the department is giving more effort to rejuvenate spring-shed into perennial sources of water by taking up certain measures for better availability of water throughout the season.