Inaugural of 4-days Residential Training under Jal Jeevan was held on 16th November 2022 at Hotel Theja Fort, Station Road, Dimapur, Organised by the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya, supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI. The training is being held from 16th- 19th November 2022.
Vice Chancellor, USTM, Meghalaya, Prof. G.D Sarma speaking as a special guest expressed hope that this 4-day training will be useful and set up a new game plan to bring the State of Nagaland on the map of India to become the 2nd in the State to provide potable water to every household next to Goa, which holds the first rank in the State.
Sarma pointed out that providing water to every household is necessary as 80% of the diseases are water-borne. He urged the gathering to know how to save, conserve natural water, and supply quality water, as water creates an important role in the maintenance of the health and economy of the State.
He stated that North East is blessed with sufficient rainwater but due to deforestation during the rainy season the content of iron is not safe to consume directly. Another problem is the groundwater pressure due to the increasing population it has drastically decreased. He also appealed to all to protect the natural sources instead of depending on or using treatment sources. He added, to achieve the target besides implementing, one should involve personally and maintain records and details of the funds, as with proper planning, commitment, and monitoring the center will grant funds.
Associate professor, Nodal Officer, KRC USTM, Dr. Nibedita Paul highlighted the objective of the training, where she stated that Jal Jeevan Shakti was launched on 15th August 2019 and the mission, under implementation with the State, aims to enable every household in villages to have Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC). She pointed out that the objective of the training is to assist, empower, and facilitate the planning of participatory rural water supply for ensuring potable drinking water; the importance of water quality standards; roles & responsibilities of all stakeholders in planning and implementation.
Paul urged the participants to motivate and mobilize their community and instill a sense of ownership in the village community, as a single family will be excluded from these projects. She said the training will also focus on the issues faced and will be mitigated. She added that awareness of various aspects and the significance of safe drinking water and involvement of stakeholders in a manner that makes water everyone's business will also be discussed during the training.
During the inaugural programme the keynote address was delivered by EE PHED (Rural) Division Dmu, Er. Nirie- E Nisa. Vote of thanks delivered by EE PHED (Urban) Division Dimapur, Er. Bendangtola.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
