World Water Day observed across Meghalaya
Our Bureau
SHILLONG/NONGPOH/MAWKYRWAT, March 22: Joining the rest of the world, Meghalaya on Friday observed the World Water Day, with the state government accentuated the pressing need for the sustainable safeguard and preservation of the water sources and water bodies of the hill state.
It is pertinent to note that the theme of the World Water Day observance this year is ‘Water for Peace’, which urges everyone to recognise the vital importance of water in promoting cooperation, harmony and sustainable development.
To commemorate the occasion, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department organised a programme at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong, which was attended by Chief Secretary DP Wahlang as the chief guest, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed as the guest of honour, as well as Commissioner & Secretary, PHE department, Syed Md. A Razi, Chief Engineer, PHE department, BM Lyndem, among others.
In his address, Wahlang emphasised the significance of water in the lives of people and its role in fostering peace and prosperity.
Highlighting the Jal Jeevan Mission’s crucial role in providing access to clean drinking water for all, he said, “The Jal Jeevan Mission stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to address this disparity and to ensure potable piped water supply to all rural households. JJM acts as a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards water security and equity.”
Stressing the intrinsic connection between water, peace and development, the Chief Secretary said, “Though water is essential for sustaining ecosystems, nourishing crops and quenching the thirst of billions, yet access to clean water remains a luxury for many.”
Emphasising that water is not merely a commodity but a way of life, providing sustenance, spirituality, and cultural heritage, Wahlang continued, “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.”
During the programme, the chief guest and other dignitaries also distributed prizes among the winners of various competitions, which were held as part of the World Water Day 2024.
Observance at ICAR Research Complex
The ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region, Umiam, also joined the global observance by organising a programme, which was attended by Superintendent Engineer of the Barak and other Basin Organisation, Central Water Commission, Shillong, MW Paunikar, who, in his address, shared his expertise on water resource management in the region’s vital river basins.
He also spoke about climate change and future water needs.
Similarly, Superintendent Engineer of the PHE department, Chibor Najiar, highlighted the significance of public health engineering in ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all.
Referring to his experiences of the Jal Jeevan Mission implementation in Meghalaya, he spoke about the successful implementation of the project due to its inclusive decision-making guidelines by the involvement of the community.
Institute Director, Dr. VK Mishra, on the other hand, emphasised the ICAR Research Complex’s commitment to fostering collaboration on critical issues such as water and climate change.
Activities mark observance in Nongpoh
In Nongpoh, the day was marked by a slew of activities, some of which included a marathon, folk song competition and exhibition competition.
A programme in this regard was organised by the Office of the District Water and Sanitation, Ri-Bhoi, in collaboration with the PHE department, Ri Bhoi.
While the marathon and folk song competition were participated by the locals, the exhibition competition was participated by students of Alpha English Higher Secondary School, Nongpoh, Nehru Memorial Higher Secondary School, Umsning, and St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nongkhrah, et al.
The programme was organised at the NSCA Indoor Stadium, Nongpoh, which was attended by Superintendent Engineer PHE department VW Momin, Divisional Officer of Soil & Water Conservation department, L Areng, Executive Engineer, PHE department, Nongpoh, U Kurbah, Executive Engineer, PHE department, Umsning, W Nongbri, among other officials, village headmen, village organisations, schoolchildren and teachers.
During the programme, the speakers highlighted the importance of water, sustainable management of freshwater resources and how to overcome the water crisis by taking effective measures.
On the same day, the World Water Day was also observed by the Office of the District Planning Officer, Ri-Bhoi, at Science Hall, Nongpoh, during which essay competition was organised for the schoolchildren.
Call for safeguard of water resources in SWKH
In South West Khasi Hills, the Office of the Executive Engineer, PHE department, organised a programme in Mawkyrwat during which emphasis was laid on safeguarding the district’s water sources.
The programme was attended by Executive Engineer, PHE department, Mawkyrwat Division, K Nongbsaw, Subdivisional Officer, PHE Ranikor, F Thongni, Subdivisional Officer, PHE Mawkyrwat, I Kharbudon, members of the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC), village representatives, as well as students and teachers from different schools in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Nongbsaw emphasised the importance of protecting water sources within the district, which, he added, play a crucial role in providing water for drinking and other domestic purposes.
Underscoring the urgent need for preservation and conservation efforts, Nongbsaw pointed out that various human activities are the primary contributors to the pollution of water sources such as rivers and streams.
Kharbudon, while referring to the theme, emphasised how water has the potential to either promote harmony or ignite disputes.
Pointing out that scarcity, pollution or unequal access to water can lead to tensions among individuals, communities and villages, he appealed to the land owners to generously contribute their land or water sources if and when required for the implementation of departmental projects.
Doing so, he argued, would benefit the community and the local populace as a whole.
“If we understand the importance of caring for, preserving and conserving water sources such as rivers, streams and groundwater, it will foster harmony among all,” he said, while urging the gathering to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the environment and its water sources for a peaceful and sustainable future.
As part of the programme, an exhibition for schoolchildren, centered around the theme ‘Accelerating Change’, was also organised.
Other highlights of the programme include essay writing, painting, folk song, comic strip and short video story telling competitions. Prizes were also distributed among the winners of various competitions.