By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 2: Experts on Saturday expressed concern about the growing water crisis in Meghalaya and the growing need to protect groundwater, a vital yet finite resource.
A training programme on “Ground Water Development and Management Practices” was organised by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), at NEHU to enhance understanding and management of groundwater resources among key stakeholders.
Scientist-D & Head of Office, CGWB, SUO, Shillong, D. Rabha, highlighted the three-tier structure of the groundwater training programme—National, State, and Grassroots levels.
Rabha emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement, as it directly involves local stakeholders in water management. She pointed out that groundwater, generally less polluted than surface water, requires careful management, and noted the CGWB’s ongoing efforts to train individuals across these levels.
Assistant Professor and Teacher-In-Charge at NEHU, Dr. Ravi Ranjan Kumar, underscored the essential role of groundwater in daily life, especially given India’s diverse terrain.
Dean of the School of Human and Environmental Sciences (SHES) at NEHU, Devesh Walia, emphasized the crucial role of water in sustaining life and making Earth unique.
He spoke about the seasonal water scarcity in Meghalaya and the growing need to protect groundwater, a vital yet finite resource, particularly as surface water sources are more susceptible to pollution. The technical sessions featured key presentations by experts from CGWB. Following the technical sessions, there were field visits to key sites, including a monitoring station at Golf Link, a spring site visit at Umshing Umjapung, and finally a rainwater harvesting site at the residence of Nathanael Newmai, Mawdiangdiang.
