World Water Day was observed throughout Meghalaya today to convey and recognize the importance of the life-giving liquid.
At the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) facility in Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, a programme was held on the theme of ‘Valuing Water’. The motive of the programme was to educate on the importance of water conservation and in overcoming water scarcity.
Despite being home to the world’s highest rainfall receiving zone, the region currently faces a water crisis for more than half the year. Around 120 farmers across Meghalaya, 20 officials from the Soil and Water Conservation Departments, 45 scientists, students, research scholars and other staff of the institute took active participation in the day-long programme.
Dr KK Sarma, a scientist from the Northeastern Space Applications Centre, graced the occasion as chief guest. The Director of the Institute, Dr VK Mishra, also the Chairman of the programme, addressed the farmers and said that the worth of water is not realized until the well is dry. The region faces the challenge of low water use efficiency and focus should be more on per drop more crop. He also presented a road map to achieve the sustainable development goal of water resources in the North East.
In Shillong, a pledge was taken by officials at Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture on the theme ‘Catch the rain, Where it falls, When it falls’. To mark the occasion, a three-day training programme was organised by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills in collaboration with the office of the Divisional Soil and Water Conservation Officer, Shillong, with the aim of creating awareness on the importance of water harvesting.
In Nongpoh, the office of the District Water Sanitation Mission (DWSM) of the Public Health Engineering Department organized a programme at the NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem, Nongpoh.
Dasakhiatbha Lamare, Minister of Fisheries, was the chief guest.
The day’s events included a running race for boys and girls and slogan and exhibition competitions for school children. The day was also entertained by a song and a short skit related to the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme performed by group members of Jlaw dohtir and others. The day ended with the prize distribution to the winners of different competitions.
In Tura, Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh said that this is the apt time to observe World Water Day since it is necessary to sensitize the people on the importance of water and water issues in the region. Stating that Garo Hills region receives plenty of rainfall, he said that the region should not face water crisis if trees and water catchment areas are maintained properly, but due to certain agricultural practices and lifestyle such as jhum cultivation and introduction of commercial plantation by replacing water retention trees, the entire region is facing huge shortage of water, he added.
Further, he mentioned that the rivers, streams and reservoirs depend mainly on rain water and as such there is a need to protect and preserve the trees and water catchment areas in the area in order to provide continuous supply of water in the region. Moreover, encouraging the plantation of ficus, bamboo and other trees endemic to the region, he urged especially the school students to plant trees in the region so as to increase the forest cover and maintain ecological balance and also recharge water bodies and preserve for the future generation. Stating that if we value life, we need to value water, he urged everyone to preserve water catchment areas and also to use water judiciously and efficiently and minimise wasting of water.
In Mawryngkneng, the water pledge was administered to various Village Employment Committees, Village Water Sanitation Committees and self-help groups. The main programme was held at Pomlahier village where job card holders, self-help groups and members of the Dorbar Dong were in attendance.
The BDO, R Wahlang, in his address, lauded the inhabitants of Pomlahier for having been declared as open defecation-free village and for the untiring efforts put in, especially by women, towards achieving a clean and green village.
