Titan CSR initiative brings sustainable water solution to Lozaphuhu in Phek

DIMAPUR — A solar-powered submersible water pump has been installed at Mudobu spring in Lozaphuhu village, Phek district, to supply drinking water to over 600 households.

According to a press release from North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), Lozaphuhu village, which has long faced severe water scarcity, particularly between December and March, depends on three springs, two of which yield less than 20% of the daily requirement.

It was mentioned that many families have been forced to buy water from private suppliers or walk several kilometres to fetch it, a burden that has fallen heavily on women.

To address this issue, the solar-powered pump has been installed at the perennial Mudobu spring with funding support from Titan Company Limited’s (TCL) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The spring was earlier rejuvenated in 2023 under NEIDA’s Springshed Management Programme with support from the Tata Trusts.

The automatic solar pump system consists of 30 solar panels of 545 watts each, generating energy to operate a 5 HP pump capable of lifting up to 30,000 litres of water per hour to a storage reservoir located about 300 metres uphill from the spring site.

It is fitted with an automatic floating sensor that regulates pumping based on the water level in the reservoir tank, ensuring efficiency and power management even on days with limited sunlight.

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The solar system replaces the village’s earlier diesel-powered pump, providing an environmentally sustainable and economically efficient alternative.

The new system operates entirely on renewable solar energy, reducing operational costs while eliminating pollution and fossil fuel dependency.

An inaugural event was held on November 5 at the Mudobu spring site. Khusuzo Khamo, chairman of village council, expressed appreciation to Titan Company Limited and NEIDA for their support and commitment to delivering a long-term water supply solution. A dedicatory prayer was offered by Shetazolu Vese, caretaker of the village prayer house, blessing the project and everyone involved.

The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Sridhar NE, chief sustainability officer, Titan Company Limited, in the presence of NEIDA staff and community members.

Sridhar said, “Water security is not just a basic need – it is the foundation of thriving communities. This initiative in Lozaphuhu is a powerful example of how local ownership, appropriate technology, and committed partnerships can create lasting impact. I deeply commend the community for their active involvement and stewardship. At Titan Company Limited, our CSR efforts are designed to be practical, scalable, and rooted in local realities. We remain committed to supporting community-driven development initiatives that address real problems and build resilient futures.”

The solar water pump project is part of the ‘Integrated Village Development Programme (IVDP)’ supported under Titan Company Limited’s CSR initiative and implemented by NEIDA.

The IVDP project in Nagaland currently covers 37 villages in Phek district, focusing on water security through springshed management and livelihood activities related to soil and water conservation, enhancing farm productivity, and loin loom weaving, with the goal of improving rural livelihoods and increasing household incomes.