A program on “Water Talk – Nagaland Chapter” was organised by the North East India Water Talks (NEIWT) on 5 July 2023 at Hotel Millennium, New Minister’s Hills in Kohima with the aim to shed light on the distinctive circumstances and explore strategies specifically water-related issues in Kohima and Nagaland. The talk was held in collaboration with NEADS (North East Affected Area Development Society) and Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) New Delhi Regional Office, NEIWT informed in a press release.
NE India Water Talk is a platform aimed at fostering dialogue among passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the profound significance of water. Its objective is to enhance the effectiveness of local stakeholders in water management decision-making processes and create a collaborative workspace for those involved in water-related initiatives in the Northeast region of India.
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The one day dialogue was organised in a form of discourse to gain insights, experiences and comprehending the nature of water-related work done and recommendations from a different organization, governments departments and civil societies working and addressing water challenges in Nagaland in general and Kohima in particular.
Urban Development, Land resources, IFAD Focus project, NEIDA, NSDMA, Eco-warriors, ISRN, and various representatives from Nagaland and other parts of Northeastern India like Assam and Tripura participated in the “Water Talk – Nagaland Chapter” and shared valuable knowledge and experiences.
One of the notable representatives or discussants in this discourse was Dr Tsielhotuo Rhutso, MLA from Kohima Town Assembly Constituency who shared valuable insights on the prevailing water problems in Nagaland and also extended his support for future water projects.
Ravindranath, an Ashoka fellow too shared his expertise in various aspects of water problems, causes, implementation, and the importance of a water policy for the state have been of immense value to the discussions.
Various issues like irregular water supply, unequal distribution of water, inadequate maintaining water pipes etc. and other various caused of water crisis like the growth of urban population, depletion of ground water without any recharge system, rainfall inconsistency, drying up water sources like springs, unsystematic planning of water infrastructure, deforestation, inadequate plastic waste management, and drought-like situation etc. witnessed both in the Kohima town and other parts/villages of Nagaland were discussed.
One of the key lessons learned in the discussions was that participants/discussants raised concerns and the significance of documentation of the traditional management system of water that could be a way out for safeguarding the water sources and recharging ground water by a method like rooftop rainwater harvesting and emphasizes the need for reciprocal benefits to the communities who owned water sources.
“Water Talk – Nagaland Chapter” served as a reminder of the shared responsibility and collective action required to address the region’s water crisis. It was seen as a catalyst for future endeavors, encouraging participants to work together and leverage their expertise. The intention was to bridge gaps, foster dialogue, and forge collaborations that transcend individual fields of expertise.
NEIWT believes that by fostering an inclusive platform that embraces diverse perspectives and collective action will create a sustainable future where water is treasured, protected, equitably managed and commonly shared for the benefit of all.
