Water scarcity continues to pose a serious challenge for many mountain communities in Nagaland, and Lozaphuhu village in Phek district is no exception. Home to over 600 households, the village has long faced acute water shortages, especially during the dry months from December to March.
Relying on three natural springs — two of which yield less than 20% of the daily requirement — many families were forced to purchase water from private suppliers or walk several kilometres to fetch it, a burden that fell heavily on women and children.
To address this long-standing problem, a solar-powered submersible pump has been installed at the perennial Mudobu spring with funding support from Titan Company Limited (TCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project was implemented by the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), which had earlier rejuvenated the Mudobu spring in 2023 under its Springshed Management Programme supported by the Tata Trusts.
The new system comprises 30 solar panels of 545 watts each, generating sufficient energy to operate a 5 HP pump capable of lifting up to 30,000 litres of water per hour to a storage reservoir located about 300 metres uphill. Equipped with an automatic floating sensor, the system regulates pumping based on the water level in the tank, ensuring efficient operation and energy use even on cloudy days.
Replacing the village’s earlier diesel-powered system, the solar pump provides an environmentally sustainable and economically efficient alternative, completely powered by renewable energy. Beyond reducing operational costs, it eliminates pollution and dependence on fossil fuels, serving as a model for clean, community-driven water supply schemes in rural Nagaland.
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An inaugural programme for the solar pump project was held on November 5 at the Mudobu spring site. Speaking on the occasion, Khusuzo Khamo, Chairman of Lozaphuhu Village Council expressed deep appreciation to both Titan Company Ltd and NEIDA for their continued support and commitment to a long-term water solution for the village. A dedicatory prayer was offered by Shetazolu Vese, caretaker of the village prayer house, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Sridhar NE, Chief Sustainability Officer, Titan Company Ltd., in the presence of NEIDA staff and community members.
Sridhar highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “Water security is not just a basic need — it is the foundation of thriving communities. This initiative in Lozaphuhu is a powerful example of how local ownership, appropriate technology, and committed partnerships can create lasting impact.” He added that Titan’s CSR efforts are designed to be “practical, scalable, and rooted in local realities,” reaffirming the company’s commitment to community-driven development initiatives that build resilient futures.
The solar water pump project is part of the Integrated Village Development Program (IVDP), supported under Titan Company Ltd’s CSR initiative and implemented by NEIDA. The IVDP in Nagaland currently covers 37 villages in Phek district, focusing on water security through springshed management, soil and water conservation, farm productivity enhancement, and loin loom weaving — all aimed at improving rural livelihoods and increasing household incomes.
