A specialized 3 days training program on "Remote Sensing and GIS Application in Water and Land Management" was inaugurated on 22nd January, 2025 at the Conference Hall, Office of the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department (WRD), Kohima. The event was organized by the North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM), Tezpur. The training program aims to equip participants with knowledge and skills in Remote Sensing and GIS Applications, as well as Water Conservation and Water management.

At the inaugural function Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, Er. K Hutoi Sema in his keynote speech stressed the importance of effective water and land management in a region like Nagaland, where rivers, streams, and fertile lands are lifelines. He commended NERIWALM for its continuous efforts in enhancing knowledge and skills in water and land management across Northeast India. He said the training program will focus on utilizing remote sensing and GIS technology to gain a better understanding of the region's water and land resources, and emphasized that these tools can provide real solutions to the challenges faced in water management. The second topic of the training program, Water Conservation and Water Management, will focus on the importance of conserving water in a region prone to droughts.

He encouraged all participants to actively engage in the training sessions, learn from experts, and apply the acquired knowledge to their respective divisions and sub-divisions. He concluded by stating that good management, whether of land, water, or people, often comes down to common sense and timely action.

Er. Sobu Angami, Senior Engineer (S.E.-I), conducted a PowerPoint presentation on the activities of the Water Resources Department, Nagaland, highlighting key projects and initiatives across Nagaland such as the Shiyong micro irrigation project at Aliba village, Mokokchung, the Shemmei MI project at Longleng, Dhansiri MI project Dimapur, Developing Flood Forecasting Model, Rain Water Harvesting Projects in Kohima to name a few.

Dr. Luna Moni Das, Assistant Professor (S.Sc.) at NERIWALM, presented an overview of the institute's activities, showcasing their contribution to research, training, conducting international and national workshops and seminars and policy formulation in the field of water and land management. This training marks a significant step towards effective water and land management, aligning with sustainable development goals in the region. The training will be conducted from the 22nd to 24th January at Kohima.

(Samuel, IA)