Dimapur | Oct 17, 2017:
Minister Mmhonlumo Kikon speaking at the public awareness programme on ‘Artificial recharge of groundwater in Dimapur valley’ held at DGM conference hall, Dimapur on October 17. (DIPR Photo)
Minister for Geology and Mining & Border Affairs, Mmhonlumo Kikon today announced the drafting of groundwater policy and its process to become an act, which will put in place a regulatory authority to check and measure all citizens, particularly the industries, who use groundwater to ensure that there is regulation, monitoring, and ultimately control over the use of groundwater.
Unless we do that we see a bleak future for groundwater resources in Dimapur itself, he said at a public awareness programme on ‘Artificial recharge of groundwater in Dimapur valley’ held at DGM conference hall here.
The awareness programme was organized by Department of Geology and Mining with a view to apprise about the basic technical know-how on groundwater development, particularly on rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge technique of groundwater.
In his inaugural speech, Mmhonlumo further maintained that awareness programme of such nature was very much needed as groundwater is an issue not given proper focus.
In today’s world, he stated, people can expect conflicts and crises over all resources and most importantly for water. Pointing out some of the conflicts between countries and states, Mmhonlumo said that conflicts over water is not only in the global and state level, but it can happen between colonies in a town like Dimapur unless there is a strategy to replenish the groundwater. Emphasizing on the importance of rainwater harvesting, Mmhonlumo urged the gathering to start the same from their own houses, which will be the best strategy to create public awareness.
Mmhonlumo also requested the Director of Geology and Mining to initiate a discussion with district administration on having a joint committee along with ward and colony representatives on groundwater management as the matter should not be kept isolated to some technical persons which was also one of the reasons for organizing the programme. He felt the district administration should be a part of the entire process and public awareness programme should be held in every ward and colony. Unless this issue is addressed on war footing there will be no real achievement to the targets and the matter will remain in the knowledge of few, he added.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Secretary, Geology and Mining, Imjung M. Panger, IAS, while the keynote address was delivered by CGWB, NER Guwahati, D. Khanikar. Welcome address and vote of thanks was delivered by Director, Geology and Mining, Wanthang Rengma and Joint Director, CM Patton.
Groundwater scenario of Nagaland with special reference to Dimapur valley by Joint Director, S. Manen and Rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge of groundwater: methods & techniques by Dr. S.S. Singh and D. Khanikar from CGWB, NER Guwahati were the topics during the technical session. The programme was attended by representatives of DMC, colonies/wards and public leaders.
(Source: http://morungexpress.com/)