The University of Science & Technology (USTM) Meghalaya is organising a four-day Residential Training under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with support from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India at Hotel Theja Fort, Station Road, Dimapur from 16-19 November.
At the inaugural programme, the Vice Chancellor of USTM Meghalaya, Prof G D Sarma speaking as a special guest expressed hope that this 4-day training will be useful in setting up a new game plan to make Nagaland the second state in the country to provide potable water to every household.
Sarma, the special guest of the programme, pointed out that providing water to every household is necessary as 80% of the diseases are water-borne. He urged the gathering to know how to save, conserve natural water, and supply quality water, as water creates an important role in the maintenance of the health and economy of the State.
He stated that North East is blessed with sufficient rainwater but due to deforestation and high iron content, the water is not safe for direct consumption. Prof Sarma pointed out that with increasing population, groundwater is fast decreasing and therefore appealed to all to protect the natural sources instead of depending on or using treatment sources.
Associate professor, Nodal Officer, Key Resource Centre (KRC) USTM, Dr Nibedita Paul highlighting the objective of the training, stated that Jal Jeevan Mission was launched on 15 August 2019 and the mission, under implementation with the State, aims to enable every household in villages to have Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC).
She pointed out that the objective of the training is to assist, empower, and facilitate the planning of participatory rural water supply for ensuring potable drinking water; the importance of water quality standards; roles & responsibilities of all stakeholders in planning and implementation.
Paul said the training will also focus on the issues faced and will be mitigated. She added that awareness of various aspects and the significance of safe drinking water and involvement of stakeholders in a manner that makes water everyone’s business will also be discussed during the training.
During the inaugural programme, the keynote address was delivered by Executive Engineer (EE) PHED (Rural) Division Dimapur, Er Nirie Nisa and vote of thanks was delivered by EE PHED (Urban) Division Dimapur, Er Bendangtola.
