An awareness campaign on ‘Catch the Rain’ under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari was held on July 27 at Town Council Hall, Chiephobozou. The event was organized by Chiephobozou Town Council and concluded with a renewed call for collective action to conserve water resources, promote rainwater harvesting and make Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari a people’s Campaign for water security and a sustainable future.
Delivering a keynote address, ADC & EO, Chiephobozou Town Council, Vekusheyi Rhakho, NCS highlighted the objectives and significance of the event. Emphasizing the need to conserve every drop of water and make rainwater harvesting a collective responsibility. He pointed out that Nagaland receives a substantial rainfall every year but a significant portion of the rainwater is lost due to surface runoff without being adequately harvested or conserved.
He stated that the state receives rainfall well above the global average and is among the high rainfall regions of the world and added that with proper planning, harvesting and conservation of rainwater, the state has immense potential to address its water needs and ensure greater water security.
Highlighting the particular relevance of the campaign, the ADC noted that the Town and surrounding areas face recurring water supply challenges, making rainwater harvesting and water conservation especially important. He has appreciated the efforts being made by the people of Chiephobozou in harvesting rainwater, observing that the community’s practices in this regard could be among the more extensive efforts in the state.
He encouraged the people to further strengthen these initiatives and transform water conservation into a people’s movement and a sustained community’s campaign.
Resource person, Er Kethosenou Usou, JE (PHED) highlighted the importance and objectives of the ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign. She elaborated on the importance if optimum utilization of harvested rainwater for drinking, domestic and household purposes as well as agriculture and farming. She added that various methods of rainwater harvesting and groundwater conservation, along with the construction of suitable recharge structures, help improve groundwater recharge, enhance groundwater availability, and strengthen long-term water security.
The program was followed by an interactive session where the participants discussed the prevailing water scarcity and challenges related to water supply in Chiephobozou. The discussion focused on the need for greater community participation; localised water conservation measures and the adoption of practical rainwater harvesting systems suited to the local terrain and climatic condition.
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During the interaction, the ADC, also stated that the indigenous water management practices followed by the people of Kikrüma Village, particularly the traditional ‘Zabo’ system which integrates rainwater harvesting, water conservation and agricultural practices is a good example of community- based and traditional water management, demonstrating how rainwater can be conserved and utilised effectively for farming and agriculture.
As part of the campaign, street mural paintings on the theme ‘Catch the Rain’ were also conducted at prominent locations in Chiephobozou Town to spread the message of water conservation and encourage greater public awareness and participation.
The programme was chaired by EAC Chiephobozou, Viketoulie Metha, welcome address by Khrielelie Kerhuo, Chairperson CTC, and vote of thanks by Kekhrieneinuo Zumvu, Deputy Chairperson CTC.
Chumoukedima:
Chumoukedima Town Council (CTC) organised an awareness programme on Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative and the national theme “Catch the Rain.” at DC’s conference Hall, Chumoukedima on July 27.
The programme was chaired by Er Khriengunuo Theunuo, EAC (HQ), DC Office, Chumoukedima. Officials from Water Resources Department, Er Hutovi Swu, Executive Engineer and Er. Longchendi Wati longchar, Junior Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), attended as resource persons and highlighted the importance of rainwater harvesting, efficient water use, and practical measures for conserving water at the household and community levels.
Delivering the closing remarks, Lhousito Khro, Chairman, Chumoukedima Town Council, encouraged citizens to actively adopt rainwater harvesting practices and work collectively towards protecting water resources for future generations.
The programme aimed to promote rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water conservation, and community participation to ensure sustainable water management and a water-secure future.
