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Dimapur, March 22 (EMN): The World Water Day is observed across the globe on March 22 every year and the theme for this year is “Leaving no one behind” – a goal to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030. The occasion was also celebrated across Nagaland on Friday.
The Directorate of Soil & Water Conservation observed World Water Day 2019 with its staff and representatives from Nagaland state climate change centre at its conference hall in Kohima on March 22. The occasion aimed at sustainable development and tackling of water crisis by addressing the problem of many marginalised groups – women, children, refugees, indigenous peoples, disabled people and many others -- being left behind, informed an update from Wondangbeni Kikon, SDO (SC) Directorate of Soil & Water Conservation Nagaland.
Director of Soil & Water Conservation Viliehu Nguzhü highlighted the importance of freshwater and advocated sustainable management of freshwater resources during the event. He also spoke on the origin of World Water Day, its theme, importance, the human right to water, the problem of water crisis and the way forward.
Nguzhü stressed that in order to “leave no one behind,” the society must make concerted effort to include people who are marginalised or ignored and ensure that that their voices are heard in decision-making processes. He asserted that the wealth of a nation lies in the availability of water.
Speaking on the occasion, deputy director Rongsenlemzung pointed out that access to clean and safe water underpins public health and is therefore critical to sustainable development.
Kenilo Kessen JRF, Nagaland state climate change centre, gave a presentation on “Climate change and water with special reference to Nagaland.” He elaborated on the climate change and water scenario of Nagaland and India; water security; and how to address the prevailing water crisis.
Zunheboto
The office of the district soil conservation officer Zunheboto under the aegis of SLUB observed World Water Day under the theme “Leaving no one behind” at the DSCO Zbto conference hall on March 22.
The event was organised in collaboration with the allied water-users departments, that is, environment, forests and climate change, public health engineering, land resources and water resources, informed an update from Khekiho Shohe, DSCO & joint director Soil & Water Conservation department, Zunheboto. It was aimed at invoking greater awareness at the grassroots level.
Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Sumi Hoho and ANPSA Zunheboto unit participated in the programme.
Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto Shanavas C, IAS, who graced the occasion as a special invitee, began his speech by reading a message from Chief Minister and Chairman of SLUB Shri Neiphiu Rio for World Water Day. He pointed out how the district and the state face water scarcity though Northeast is one of the regions that receives the highest rainfall in the world. He also stressed on the need to sensitise the people at the grassroots on the importance of water, and ways and means to conserve it.
Shanavas urged the departments to counteract the problems that cause water scarcity, which according to him are pollution, misuse of water and climate change. He further stressed on the need to educate the students on climate change and water usage.
A committee constituting members from various water users department was formed with the DC’s approval to formulate a strategic action plan on water resources of the district, read the statement.
There was a PowerPoint presentation by various water users departments on water status in Zunheboto district earlier during the programme.
Tuensang
The water resource department along with the line departments PHED, Environment, Forest & Climate, Soil & Water Conservation observed World Water Day with the theme “Leaving No One Behind- Safe water” at CBLT Jubilee Memorial Hall in Tuensang.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Ali Shihab, the special guest of the event, lauded the effort of the water resources and line departments for its cooperative working system, according to a statement issued by Thungti Chang, IA Tuensang. He presented a rough statistics of rainfall in Nagaland and stated that it may be hard to eradicate the practice of Jhum cultivation but “we can reduce the magnitude of the uses so that we can minimise the negative impacts on the water resources.”
Water resources and line departments namely PHED, Environment, Forest & Climate, Soil & Water Conservation displayed PPT on the activities, programmes and schemes of the respective departments.
Lily Tep, district soil and water conservation department, delivered the keynote address and Tzutipokla Longkumer, chemist WSSO PHED Tuensang, spoke on safe drinking water during the event. A demonstration on EVM was also held after the programme.
Wokha
The department of soil conservation organised World Water Day at district fishery office, Wokha with EAC (J) Imtinungla as the special guest.
Imtinungla said during the event that “all our natural resources are diminishing at a rapid pace which is very alarming for our survival” and urged the people to change their ways of living by using water resourcefully. She also appealed line departments to create innovative plans and ways to tackle water-shortage problems, according to a press release issued by Zubenthung, IA Wokha.
District forest officer, Zuthunglo Patton appealed to the gathering to make Mt.Tiyi forest greener, preserve and conserve it, saying that it is the “only source of water for Wokha town” and so that there will be safe and sufficient drinking water for the generations to come.
While presenting the status of water resources under PHED Wokha division, JE, PHED Er. Chenithung reminded the participants of the event that water is called the “Elixir of life” but the expansion of human population, developmental activities and reckless deforestation has led to groundwater depletion and contamination. Despite knowing this problem, he said humans are not giving importance to precious “life-sustaining liquid” and that the slogan- “Leaving no one behind - safe water for all" will never become a reality unless everyone takes it as a collective responsibility.
Chenithung went on to say that people sometimes give more importance to other luxuries of life than the essential commodity- safe potable water. Just by lodging queries, complaints, and suggestions to the nodal department will not solve the problem of water scarcity in the district, he said, adding that it is a common responsibility to use water judiciously.
Kiphire
Kiphire district planning and development board meeting-cum-World Water Day was held at DC’s Conference Hall on Friday. Deputy Commissioner of the district M Shayung Phom welcomed all the new members and expressed confidence that they will give their best for the development of Kiphire district.
DSCO, Chumei Yanlem highlighted on the importance of water and suggested water recycling to solve water scarcity problem in the state.
ADC Wilfred Reny appealed to all the officers and staff of various departments to be sincere and efficient in performing their duties for a successful and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, informed an update from DPRO & IA, Kiphire. A demonstration of EVM/VVPATS was also held after the programme.
SCMI
The Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) North East Zone II organised World Water Day at Honili Memorial Hr. Sec School on Friday. Vice-principal of the school Vilika (surname not provided) led the programme.
The members of SCMI North East Zone II unit performed a short play on the importance of water during the programme, said an update from programme secretary Tolly T Yeptho.
Limanaro (Asst. Prof), department of Education, SMC, encouraged the students to preserve water for the next generation. She also gave tips on how to keep one’s body hydrated and healthy.