DIMAPUR— World Water Day was celebrated in various parts of the state on Wednesday by organising awareness on the importance to conserve water on the theme ‘Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.’
World Water Day is observed every year on March 22. The main objective of the day is to inspire people to sustainably manage the fresh water resources and learn more about water-related issues like water pollution, water scarcity, inadequate water and lack of sanitation, and take appropriate steps to make a difference.
DAN: Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) under ‘Morung Project’ observed World Water Day held at Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School in Chizam village under Phek district.
On the occasion, DAN regional coordinator, Tshekulhi Aku Thopi, spoke on the significance of the day. He also shared that due to the increasing population, the need for more water source is also increasing and that several places across the state are also starting to face acute scarcity of water due to inefficient water management system. He challenged the students to be a problem solvers and not a problem makers and further encouraged the students to be innovative and bring solution to the problems the world is facing.
To mark the occasion, several competitions such as model exhibition and presentation on water conservation, sketching and costume display competitions were also organised.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]NCC Air Squadron: Commemorating the World Water Day, NCC No. 1 Nagaland Air Squadron conducted an awareness campaign at Eastern Christian College, Dimapur.
It stated that a total of 200 cadets took out a rally at Purana Bazaar and interacted with the residents on the importance of conserving water with Akangmeren Imchen, scientist B at Nagaland Pollution Control Board, was the resource person.
The commanding office has appreciated Hukato Chishi, member secretary of the Nagaland Pollution Control Board, and Dr. Kenisenuo Solo, principal of Eastern Christian College, for their enthusiasm and support for educating the young cadets of the unit.
It mentioned that NCC, being the biggest uniformed youth organisation in the world, it has been taking a lead role in carrying out various social service and community development activities in Nagaland.
PCC: Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) also observed the World Water Day with Rusovil John, chairman of Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), as the chief guest.
It stated that Rusovil John has highlighted the significance of water for humans and how it is essential for survival as well prevention of various diseases. He also spoke on the challenges of managing water in Nagaland, including the decreasing groundwater level due to population pressure in towns and cities.
Besides, he also highlighted on the common problem of floods in cities like Dimapur and Kohima due to careless management of waste and plastics which choke the drainage during the first shower. To meet various challenges, he has called for sustained campaign to spread awareness among the public.
The guest of honour and extra assistant commissioner of Chümoukedima, Seyiekhrietuo Solo, described water as ‘future currency.’ He has called for stringent action and rules against unabated exploitation of water resources.
The regional director of CGWB North Eastern Region, Suresh Chandra Kapil, has emphasised on the importance conservation water in India, which share just 4% of the world's fresh water where 16% of the global population lives.
ATMA Zunheboto: Agricultural Technology Management Authority (ATMA), Zunheboto, in collaboration with the department of Soil and Water Conservation, celebrated World Water Day in Zhekiye village under Satakha block.
Hetoho Y Swu, DSCO and ATMA project director, Zunheboto, in his introductory note, has highlighted on the importance of judicious use of water and the need to preserve water source by retaining the vegetative cover and also the tree line around the water bodies.
The resource person, Kaoto Sema, ATM Suruhuto block, spoke on the topic ‘Per drop, more crop,’ where he explained the various irrigation systems and the schemes available in the state. He laid emphasis on rain water harvesting and maintaining cover crop to reduce run-off around the water sources.
The programme was participated by village elders, women SHGs and progressive farmers from Satakha block.
DGC: Dimapur Government College (DGC) observed World Water Day, organised by Jal Shakti team on the sub-theme ‘Catch the rain where it falls, when it falls.’
After a short programme on creating awareness on the theme, the promenade was flagged off from Morung Express and the walk culminated in the college campus, an update stated. The programme closed with another sensitisation programme.
PHED Mon: Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Mon division, also celebrated World Water Day at Pinnacle School in Totok Chingnyu village, Mon block, an update stated.
NEISSR: Commemorating ‘International Water Day,’ Muralimohan D, chief manager of South Indian Bank, regional office, Kolkata, inaugurated a water purifier installed at Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima on March 22. The installation of water purifier was South Indian Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
An update from the institute stated that the focus of the initiative was to provide clean and safe drinking water to the students as well as the faculty. With the installation of a water purifier, it stated that the students would be less vulnerable to water borne diseases.
Samudrajit Gogoi, manager of South Indian Bank, Dimapur branch; Rev. Fr. Mathew Thuniampral, NEISSR governing board member; Dr. Fr. CP Anto, principal of NEISSR and director of Peace Channel; Rev. Fr. Khing, vice principal; and NEISSR students were present at the inaugural function.
Meanwhile, Fr. Dr. CP Anto has thanked the South Indian Bank for their generous contribution.