The Public Health Engineering Department today observed World Water Day 2024 here. The theme this year is ‘Water for Peace’.
DP Wahlang, Chief Secretary, was the chief guest and Shakil P Ahammed, Additional Chief Secretary, was the guest of honour. Others present were Syed Md A Razi, Commissioner & Secretary, PHED, BM Lyndem, Chief Engineer, PHED.
Speaking at the event, Wahlang emphasised the profound significance of water in our lives and its role in fostering peace and prosperity. The theme for this year, ‘water for peace’, urges everyone to recognize the vital importance of water in promoting cooperation, harmony, and sustainable development. He highlighted Jal Jeevan Mission’s crucial role in providing access to clean drinking water for all. While Meghalaya is blessed with abundant rainfall, rich water sources, and stunning landscapes, there is also a pressing concern to sustainably safeguard these water sources and water bodies. He also emphasized that water is not merely a commodity, but a way of life, providing sustenance, spirituality, and cultural heritage.
During the programme, the chief guest along with other dignitaries distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions that were held as part of the World Water Day celebration.
At a programme in Mawkyrwat, the PHED Executive Engineer (EE) K Nongbsaw, F Thongni, Sub-Divisional Officer, PHE, Ranikor Sub-Division, I Kharbudon, Sub-Divisional Officer, PHE Mawkyrwat Sub-Division, members of the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC), village representatives, students and teachers were present.
Nongbsaw emphasised the importance of protecting water sources within the district. He stressed that these reservoirs play a crucial role in providing water for drinking and various domestic purposes. He highlighted that only 2.5 percent of the Earth’s water is suitable for consumption, underscoring the urgent need for preservation and conservation efforts.
Furthermore, the Executive Engineer pointed out human activities as the primary contributors to the pollution of water sources like rivers and streams.
Kharbudon spoke on the theme ‘Water for Peace’, emphasising how water has the potential to either promote harmony or ignite disputes. He pointed out that scarcity, pollution, or unequal access to water can lead to tensions among individuals, communities, and villages.
North Garo Hills also joined in the worldwide celebration.
A cycle rally was one event that disseminated the significance of the programme which was undertaken by a group of cycle enthusiasts called A’we Pedallers. In the field of operations and maintenance under Jal Jeevan Mission, Kontolguri Songma VWSC was adjudged the best performing Village Water & Sanitation Committee.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest during the programme, NGH’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Tennystar R Marak called for collective effort for preservation of water by initiating effective measures to check water sustainability.
“As compared to the rest of the country, our area has an abundance of water resources but unscrupulous, unchecked usage of water could one day bring the inevitable fate of water crisis as is going on in major towns and cities,” Marak said.
The day was also observed by the ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region, Umiam, commemorating World Water Day, themed “Water for Peace”, with a program emphasising the crucial role of water in maintaining regional stability and climate action.
The event commenced with a welcome address by S Hazarika, Head of the Division of System Research and Engineering. This was followed by insightful talks from esteemed guests. MW Paunikar, Superintendent Engineer of the Barak and other Basin Organization, Central Water Commission, Shillong, who shared his expertise on water resource management in the region’s vital river basins. He highlighted the importance of climate change and future water needs.
