Nagaland Advisor for Water Resources Tongpang Ozukum, while attending the 12th high-powered review meeting of the Brahmaputra Board in Guwahati on 1 May, apprised the board about the water bodies, soil erosion and the difficulties faced by the state in implementing various projects.

The meeting was chaired by Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat along with Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Kailash Choudhury.

Ozukum, during his deliberations, raised the issue to rejuvenate all the 1,432 water bodies in Nagaland which is being slowly dried up and also noting that there are 15 major rivers in Nagaland, Ozukum raised his concern over soil erosion in these rivers which is becoming a major concern for the state.

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He appealed to the Ministry to approve the projects from Nagaland so that the state can also focus on flood management and the soil erosions happening in the major rivers.

“…every year because of the erosion our rivers are becoming bigger and bigger. So, I raised that, it’s a genuine problem that we are facing therefore the ministry should approve our projects.”

Ozukum during the meet also highlighted that the centrally sponsored scheme called as Common Area Development Water Management (CADWM) funding pattern which is 50/50 from the Ministry and the State is not feasible and viable, not only for Nagaland but other Northeastern states as well. He pointed out that due to this funding pattern many Northeastern states including Nagaland is unable to avail the scheme.

He further appealed to the ministry for relaxation of the funding pattern 90/10 so that all the northeastern states can avail the noble project.

Read more: Water management authority for Northeastern states will be formed soon: Jal Shakti Minister