As part of the nationwide water conservation campaign under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Jal Mohatsav Pakhwada 2026 was observed in Dimapur.
The programme, organised by the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Dimapur in collaboration with the PHED Urban Division, Dimapur was held at the DC Office, Dimapur on16th of March, 2026 as part of the fortnight-long observance from March 8 to 22.
In his address, DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, highlighted the objectives of the ongoing activities under the rural drinking water programme. He said while the government has created infrastructure and provided necessary support, the long-term success of such schemes depends largely on the active involvement of the community. He, therefore, urged village authorities and community members to take collective responsibility for maintaining water supply systems and other public assets, stating that communities should not depend solely on the government for every issue.
He noted that community ownership and participation are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of development initiatives, particularly in rural areas where local cooperation plays a key role in maintaining infrastructure. He further encouraged villagers to work together, take initiative, and ensure that the facilities provided under government schemes are properly managed and protected for the benefit of future generations.
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Executive Engineer, PHED & Member Secretary DWSM, Dimapur, Er Bendangtola Walling, in her address highlighted that since 2019 significant infrastructure has been created under the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe drinking water to households in rural areas. With many schemes now completed, the focus has shifted towards handing over these assets to the respective village communities for long-term operation and maintenance.
She informed that earlier, the handover of schemes to villages was carried out through simple formal agreements. However, under the current initiative, the government has encouraged departments to celebrate the handover process in a more participatory manner to strengthen community ownership and responsibility.
The ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission Pakhwada, a 15-day campaign, was launched on March 8 coinciding with International Women’s Day to recognise and promote the role of women in managing village-level water assets, as women’s participation in village institutions related to water management remains limited and the campaign aims to encourage greater involvement. Therefore, she informed that, as part of the activities, programmes such as “Jal Aapke Dwar”/community engagement initiatives, system checks and awareness drives are being conducted to ensure that rural water supply schemes are functioning effectively before they are formally handed over to village authorities.
She noted that the government is encouraging communities to conduct surveys and monitor water supply systems themselves using digital platforms. This approach is expected to help villagers assess the functionality of schemes and report issues directly. ‘
She further informed that deserving women actively contributing to the management and protection of village water assets are being identified for recognition and awards at higher levels. While nominations from some districts are still awaited, representatives from other districts in the state have been recommended, she added.
During the meeting, discussions on key agenda items includes observance of Jal Mahotsav Pakhwada 2026, formation and operationalization of the District Technical Unit (DTU) under Jal Jeevan Mission, establishment of Source Sustenance Committees, and clarification of roles and reporting mechanisms for ensuring sustainable rural drinking water supply. It also discussed that formation of a District Technical Committee would monitor issues related to rural water supply after the schemes are handed over.
The Committee would review reports submitted through an online application by village-level functionaries and coordinate with departments to resolve technical problems. It also emphasized that the new system would enable continuous monitoring of rural water schemes and ensure timely intervention when issues arise, thereby strengthening the sustainability of drinking water infrastructure in villages.
