The Etsutchukha water source, on which nearly 50 to 60 per cent of households depend, has dried up to an unprecedented level, causing grave concern among residents of Etsutchukha colony, highlighting the escalating water crisis in Wokha district.
According to representatives of the Etsutchukha Colony Ekhung, a meeting was verbally convened by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) on January 8 to discuss the issue. However, the meeting was discontinued following the absence of senior PHED officials, with only a Junior Engineer and Dobashis representing the district administration in attendance.
The Ekhung representatives stated that the matter is too critical to be addressed at the Junior Engineer level and requires immediate intervention by higher authorities.
Earlier, on January 6, members of the Etsutchukha Colony Ekhung met the Chief Engineer, PHED, Kohima, and formally placed their concerns regarding the alarming depletion of the Etsutchukha spring source. During the meeting, the Ekhung highlighted a five-point memorandum that had earlier been submitted to the Executive Engineer, PHED, Wokha, seeking urgent remedial measures.
The Ekhung demanded immediate restoration of drinking water through drilling /digging or applying any modern technology at Etsutchukha colony Water source and banning all individual for pumping of water for business purpose.
It also stated that the Etsutchukha water pump (main source) was purchased by PHED but originally it was traditional well of Etsutchukha colony and hence drinking water should be supplied to colony people and nearby who cannot afford to buy themselves.
It further demanded to set up inquiry committee for the main causes of drying water source at Etsutchukha and also exempt water fees/bill with effect from January 2026 till restoration of water supply.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
As per the minutes of meeting issued by the Office of the Executive Engineer, PHED, dated January 7, 2026, the meeting held on January 6, 2026 at the Conference Hall of the Chief Engineer’s Office, PHED, Kohima, was chaired by the Chief Engineer and Head of Department (PHED).
During the meeting, the Chief Engineer stated that the drying up of the existing water source is a natural phenomenon and clarified that there is no certainty of availing water through digging without a proper groundwater survey and scientific study. As an immediate mitigation measure, the department assured that water tankers would be arranged to supply drinking water to the affected colony.
The meeting also decided to conduct a joint exercise involving PHED Wokha Division and the Etsutchukha Colony Ekhung to identify the number of bore wells around the source area. It was further resolved that the matter would be taken up with the Geology and Mining Department through the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, for a detailed groundwater survey and for initiating regulatory measures concerning bore wells.
The Chief Engineer further informed that the collection of monthly water tariffs would remain suspended until the restoration of regular water supply. The meeting concluded with an assurance from PHED that all possible measures are being taken to address the water scarcity, while representatives of the Ekhung agreed to extend full cooperation in the joint exercise and subsequent steps.
