World Water Day was observed across the state today with a variety of programmes on the theme of ‘Groundwater: Making the invisible visible’.
At the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Umiam, poster and slogan competitions for students were organised. A lecture on the theme was delivered by Lala IP Ray, Associate Professor in the School of Natural Resource Management.
Highlighting the significance of water and its impact on all life forms, World Water Day was observed in North Garo Hills district at Resubelpara Mini Stadium. The programme organized by the District Programme Management Unit, Jal Jeevan Mission, saw the active participation of VECs, VWSCs and Sordars of the district who were briefed on the significance of water and water conservation.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest during the programme, ZJ Sangma, Additional Deputy Commissioner spoke in line with the theme where he stressed on conservation of groundwater by urging the gathering to act responsibly in working towards sustainably managing groundwater resources.
While referring to poor management of groundwater, he said water is everywhere but there is dearth of fresh water that is fit for consumption and therefore initiatives must be taken by all stakeholders to increase the awareness on the importance of groundwater management.
The other highlights of the programme was a felicitation of trainees of plumbing and masonry skill training, short play on JJM played by a women’s group and sharing of success stories by VWSC.
In Jowai, Additional Deputy Commissioner Alexander S Mukhim said the day is being celebrated to remind each one of us of the importance of water in our day today life and to conserve the water in the form of rainwater harvesting.
Stressing on the need of conserving water throughout the year, he said the need of the hour is to take responsibility to keep the water source clean and plant more trees in and around. He said the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission will hopefully ease the problem of water shortage.
He also encouraged the people to practice waste water management to save water.
As part of the event and to further inspire the students to have better knowledge about the water related issues and to find ways to conserve water, the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) conducted a folksong competition and an exhibition on the theme ‘Save water, it will save you’. The winners were awarded with certificates.
The ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region celebrated and raised awareness about World Water Day with a total of 90 participants comprising farmers from Meghalaya, researchers from six universities in the North East and the institute’s staff attending an awareness programme.
Farmers shared their struggle to meet daily water needs, especially during the dry season (November through April). They explained how ICAR’s technological interventions combining their traditional methods of water conservation are more effective in alleviating the difficulties in times of water shortage.
Half a day of interaction between scientists and farmers was carried out to further refine water conservation technologies developed by ICAR.
