A Consultative meeting on Barak River Basin management plan & collaboration between Indian -EU initiative and Brahmaputra board was held at CS conference hall Nagaland Civil Secretariat Kohima on 22nd July 2025.
Director GIZ, Laura Sustersic, while giving introductory remarks, said that the strategic partnership between the EU and India aims to share best practices, adapt European experiences to the Indian context, and develop sustainable solutions for managing water resources.
Laura Sustersic added that Water Management is a critical area for cooperation, supporting economic development, peace, security, agriculture, fisheries, energy, and the environment.
She also highlighted GIZ's role in implementing projects to support India in water management, focusing on the Ganges Brahmaputra hydrological system and the Barak River basin.
Laura also stated that Nagaland must prioritise environmentally friendly sustainable development options and find ways to protect its beautiful natural environment while still pursuing development goals.
Chairman, Brahmaputra Board, Dr Ranbir Singh IAS, said that water shortage is a very serious issue faced by the State and highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue to ensure water security in the state. Singh said since Nagaland also falls under water basins it was important to understand the issues, challenges and problems in this part of the basin in Nagaland and the potential areas that should be developed.
Singh also emphasised the idea that equity, sustainability and building these key values into water management planning will be crucial. Singh called all the stake holders to take their roles seriously and work collectively in managing water resources for future generations.
Chief Secretary, Dr J Alam IAS, in his concluding remarks, stated that five districts in Nagaland have been declared as water distress districts despite receiving plenty of rainfall and further added that Nagaland still faces an acute shortage of water, especially during lean season.
Alam said that various projects taken up by the Brahmaputra board have been very helpful to the state and the Barak river basin management plan will also be equally beneficial for the state. Alam remarked that the project will open up many opportunities for future action plans and also help in connecting with the right people for making further future plans in regard to water management in the state.
Alam also urged the Brahmaputra board to make a separate plan for the state of Nagaland so it can best leverage the resources available in terms of water management within the state for the benefit of the state.
Alam also acknowledged the Brahmaputra board and the team and said they are a reservoir of knowledge and can bring expertise from various sources adding that the state will look forward to further action in water conservation projects in the days and years to come.
IEWI/GIZ team presented a PowerPoint presentation on ‘overview of the India-EU partnership and achievements in river basin management’. General Manager Brahmaputra Board Abhay Kumar gave a closing remark on the Barak Basin management plan and Chief Engineer WRD, Er. Thepfusalie Gozie presented the vote of thanks.
During the open discussion session, senior officials of various line departments highlighted their challenges and prospects about the project.
(Esuihangle IA)
