The inaugural function of the Hydrology Project Convention Centre (HPCC) cum Commissioning of Automatic Weather Station & Piezometer constructed under National Hydrology Project (NHP) was held on 23rd April 2022 at E.E Investigation Cell, 4th Mile, Dimapur.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, speaking as a special guest, congratulated the team on the successful establishment of the latest technology. He stated that the coming of this technology will improve the management of water as well as help the farmers, industrial sector, and domestic uses. He hoped that with this technology in place, the data and information would go to the people and help adopt better practices in the utilization of our water.
He mentioned that Mother Earth has hydrogen and oxygen which sustain the survival of living beings for which the planet earth must be taken due care and it is one's duty to conserve and use water sparingly. He pointed out that there are times when there is too much water and too less of water to use, especially during the monsoon and dry season but with the coming of this technology, water can be preserved and have sufficient for our daily needs.
Rio further added that if we continue to use and abuse water resources then definitely we will face a crisis. Therefore,
He appealed to the department to study, learn and impart training to the farmers and let them know what is happening, as the indigenous mode of cultivation is not going to work. He hoped that the establishment of this technology will pave the way for the farmers and benefit them immensely.
Advisor, WRD, Namri Nchang, in his brief speech, thanked all the officers for their selfless efforts and active participation in bringing things into reality. He mentioned that there are 12 existing projects under NHP in Dimapur, of which some are in progress, some remain completed and some are to be initiated soon. He said that taking advantage of the provision under NHP, the HPCC at Dimapur was to conduct and facilitate all NHP-related training, workshops, and events.
He stated that this convention center will boost the Department to develop partnerships with the national and international institutes, establish communities of practice, customize training, and be a powerhouse for knowledge exchange and professional network and performance and excellence to address the specific needs. Through this outreach and awareness programmes will be conducted to showcase the various aspects of water management, planning, and its related benefits for local communities in irrigation or flood-prone areas. He thanked the officers of the department for the valuable services that each one has rendered in the completion of this project.
Chief Engineer, cum Nodal Officer (NHPP) WRD, Er. Hotovi Ayemi who gave an overview of the National Hydrology project said that the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation is coordinating the implementation of NHP as a central scheme with World Bank Assistance. The approval of the union cabinet for implementation of NHP was conveyed on 23rd June 2016 for a duration of 8 years. He pointed out that under this project, the Department has been able to establish hydro met observation, networks, and Real-time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS). The department has successfully constructed 3 Piezometers at Kohima, Tuli (Mokokchung), and Dimapur Districts to check the rise and fall in the groundwater level. However, considering the drastic climate changes globally, leading to the depletion in the surface water, there is an urgent need to explore the groundwater, for which the department envisages proposing additional Piezometers in the remaining districts to be accommodated under this programme.
He mentioned that the department has set up a water quality lab for which furnishings have been completed while procurement of glassware and accessories is under process. The State Data Centre has been constructed at Kohima to serve as the hub for data entry. He also stated that the department has made an attempt to alleviate a few of the many water-related issues such as erosion, floods, water scarcity, etc faced by the State, by engaging highly acclaimed firms to offer its consultancy services in arriving at a permanent solution.
Availing of all opportunities under the National Hydrology Project, he affirmed that the department has ventured into setting up a strong and robust Decision Support System (DSS) through the establishment of RTDAS and water quality lab, which is the stepping stone of any planning and management institution. He also added that the department is proposing for conversion of posts through cadre review, for which he appealed to the Chief Minister to kindly take cognizance of the cadre review proposals for active consideration by the Government.
Executive Engineer cum Project Manager for HPCC (NHP), WRD, Er. Keduvizo Sophie, in his brief technical report, highlighted the projects. He pointed out that HPCC has been initiated under the National Hydrology Project to build up departmental staff capacities, and impart awareness and use of the latest technologies and tools involved in water Monitoring and Management systems.
An Automatic Weather Station (AWS) is designed to monitor meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction, evapotranspiration, atmosphere pressure, solar radiation, and rainfall.
Earlier Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio unveiled the inaugural plaque of HPCC. The welcome address was delivered by project coordinator (NHP) WRD, Kevisa Kense, IAS. A vote of thanks was delivered by Superintending Engineer cum Deputy Nodal Officer (NHP) WRD, Er. Chubasashi Chang.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
