The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), in collaboration with the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas (Nagaland) Project and in partnership with the Tzüla (Dikhu)
Green Zone Project, Mokokchung, observed World Water Monitoring Day on September 18 at
Sangtemla Community Hall, Mokokchung. The event was held under the theme “Healthy Water, Healthy
Society, Healthy Life.”
In his welcome address, Tokugha, Vice-Chairman of NCCAF highlighted the forum’s objectives and ongoing efforts in conservation. He stated, “If there is no water, there is no life. Now NCCAF is working with these conservation efforts on water and forests, so basically on water and air.”
Tokugha informed that NCCAF, established on November 14, 2014, has prepared management plans for over 20 villages in Mokokchung district in collaboration with the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). “These are planned with ecological and biological aspects, including forest and water management along with agricultural activities. But I’m disappointed why many didn’t turn up, though I personally went and did this,” he said.
As of now, NCCAF covers 35 Community Conserved Areas across 125 villages in Nagaland. He added that forest areas above five hectares can register with the forum with a one-time lifetime fee of ₹5,000, which includes GPS mapping and a management plan. “Anyone who wants help to go about their management in their village is encouraged to approach the Mokokchung district Coordinator of NCCAF,
Dr Rongsen,” he said.
Tokugha explained that the forum’s management planning integrates both conservation and livelihood projects. “The management planning made by the NCCAF has conservation as well as livelihood projects—how do we make sustainable use of the forest and how to take eco-tourism ahead. Depending on the village people, we work on this,” he noted.
Clarifying the difference between Community Conserved and Community Reserved forests, he said,
“Community Reserved means reserved, where you cannot take anything. But in Community Conserved, since it’s for the community, you can take Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). So Community
Conserved is better than Reserved, because for the future there is some uncertainty. It will be good for the community as well as for you.”
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Tokugha also stressed that NCCAF has been working for 11 years but only the Dikhu (Tzüla) Green Zone
Project is registered under it so far. The first meeting of NCCAF was held at the Tzüla Green Zone Project, Mokokchung, before its formal launch in Kohima on November 14, 2014, at the NEPED office.
Encouraging the participants, he said, “Whoever has come today to attend and participate, all of us believe that now in Mokokchung district, you will be a conservation missionary and preach about it.
From us, we give service to boost our environment.”
He further informed that NCCAF will observe World River Day on September 27 with initiatives planned for villages that have forests but lack management systems.
Special Guest Mokokchung Assistant Commissioner, Ajay Moktan, IAS, congratulated the organisers for their initiative. He encouraged them to continue the noble cause of volunteering, noting that it requires collective effort from both individuals and the community.
Speaking on the theme, Moktan said it is “not just a slogan, but a call to each one of us.” Referring to the current situation in Mokokchung, he highlighted the irony of having to purchase water despite receiving abundant rainfall. “Without water, we cannot grow anything. If there is water, there is life—but the quality of water also matters,” he stressed.
Citing the United Nations’ declaration that water is a human right, Moktan underlined the global recognition of water security. He also recalled the Prime Minister’s words, “Jal hai to Jeevan hai, Jal hai
toh kal hai,” to remind that water is not only life but also the future.
Comparing Nagaland’s rainfall to regions like Meghalaya and Darjeeling, he observed that despite plenty of rain, water quickly runs off into rivers, contributing to landslides and scarcity. He noted, “Three- fourths of the world is covered by water, yet water scarcity is a reality.”
On solutions, Moktan emphasized judicious use and conservation. He urged the community to adopt sustainable practices like planting trees on hilltops, improving jhum cultivation methods, and using techniques such as sprinkler and bamboo drip irrigation. “Every spring is a lifeline in Mokokchung,” he said, warning that declining water sources, deforestation, and climate variations signal the need for immediate action.
He stressed the role of farmers, calling them “guardians of water,” since their daily lives depend on it. “If a farmer saves water, he saves food; if he saves food, he saves lives,” he remarked, adding that children learn by observing elders. “If they see you saving water and protecting springs, they will carry forward that culture.”
Pointing to examples like the Sendenyu conservation project in Tseminyu district, Moktan underlined that when communities take responsibility, water regenerates. He proposed three key directions:
Water Monitoring; Community Participation; and Integrating Tradition with Technology.
Moktan urged the gathering not to treat the day as ceremonial but as a turning point. “Let us take a pledge to monitor and conserve every spring we see and come across,” he said, reminding that safeguarding water today ensures life and security for generations to come.
Chairman of the Tzüla (Dikhu) Green Zone Project Imliyanger Jamir said, “The theme is quite simple but its importance cannot be over exaggerated. Water is not just a resource, it is life.” He cautioned that the quality of water is steadily deteriorating and stressed that responsibility lies with the people. “Can we wait for the government? It is ours, and we should keep this in mind,” he said.
Observing World Water Monitoring Day, he urged participants not to treat it as a token event but to carry forward its message: “Tomorrow, I want you to be a preacher of this.”
Referring to the growing reality in Mokokchung Town where people are buying water, he questioned, “And when you buy, how is the quality?” He further reminded, “The success depends on our participation. What will we give to our children? Concrete action must be taken from now.” Concluding, he appealed, “Let’s learn to love and care for what we have, thinking it’s precious. It is not ours wholly—we are here just for the time being.”
A technical session was held where Er Hebo Zhimomi, Executive Engineer, PHE Department
Mokokchung, spoke on “Healthy Water, Healthy Society, Healthy Life,” and Dr Temjensangla, Associate
Professor, Department of Geography, Fazl Ali College Mokokchung, presented on “Conservation and Water.” An interactive Q&A session was also held during the session. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Setsachum Sangtam, Treasurer of NCCAF.
