MLA & Advisor for Water Resources Department, Government of Nagaland, Tongpang Ozukum attending the Jal Shakti Departmental Summit, highlighted some concerns facing the State and initiatives undertaken in projects implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The summit was hosted by Ministry of Jal Shakti at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi from 1st – 2nd September 2026. Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Government of Nagaland, Akunu S. Meyase also attended the summit.
Advisor Tongpang stated that since Nagaland implements only Minor Irrigation Projects, there is no major visible problem in areas of land acquisition, contractual or project management issues, design modifications during implementation, Inter-State or Inter-Agency. However, he stated that a major concern is being faced in the timely release of funds. Pointing out that with working season in Nagaland is being carryout only for a period of six months from November to April, he emphasized the need for timely release of funds for timely completion of water infrastructure projects in the state.
Speaking on Audit Certificate which produced after every 9 months, the Advisor said that it has become a challenge for the Department and suggested that the State be allowed to produce it once in two years.
With the introduction of SNA-SPARSH module to ensure real-time monitoring of release and expenditure to improve financial transparency and accountability, he requested that the mother sanctions released under the module be made in a maximum of two instalments annually. He also recommended that Surface Minor Irrigation projects once approved by the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) may not necessarily be asked for re-approval in the subsequent years.
In cases where there is delay in commencement of projects, leading to cost overrun, in such cases, he called for provision to be kept for price escalation so that there is no change in the scope of work and also to maintain quality of work. He further suggested for the development cost of Minor Irrigation Project to be enhanced from 4 lakhs to 6.5 lakhs per hectare, to address the implementation issues.
Pointing out that for more than 10 years now, Nagaland has not received a single Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) project, for which the State had submitted four proposals. He requested the Ministry of Jal Shakti to award the State with some project under the FMBAP scheme during this current financial year.
He also put forth the concern on type of erosion faced in Nagaland, particularly in Chathe River, Chümoukedima, Tuli town Mokokchung, and Naginimora in Mon, and requested the Ministry to consider both conventional and non-conventional method of construction of anti-erosion projects.
Advisor Tongpang also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the State such as the Nagaland Strategic Water Resilience Initiative, during 2026-27 financial year, with the objective to enhance water security. He further said that Nagaland, despite heavy monsoon rainfall, faces acute water shortage during lean seasons due to its hilly terrain and high runoff. And therefore, to mitigate this, the State has adopted Farm Ponds as micro water harvesting structures under the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which will strengthen rural livelihood and ecosystems and also demonstrate effective water conservation, storage, groundwater recharge and management, he stated.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addressed the valedictory session of the summit which was attended by Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Ministers from states and union territories, officials from Ministry of Jal Shakti, states and union territories.
(Dy. Director & IA New Delhi)
