Nagaland is currently facing a daunting reality of escalating water crisis. NEN chapter of Nagaland has been working towards examining water issues in the context of Nagaland and deepen people’s understanding of the issue and discuss ways forward towards ‘Leaving No One behind Water for All’.
In observance of the World Water Day, North East Network (NEN) Nagaland organised two discussions on Water Issues at Chizami and Kohima on 24th and 26th March 2019, respectively.
At Chizami, an intergenerational conversation on the water was organised in which 49 young teenagers, NEN staff members, Mr Zulhipe Chirhah, an elder and community knowledge holder participated. Traditional water sources, its significance and current concerns pertaining to water in the community were deliberated. The event at Kohima brought together 29 participants comprising of students, media persons, development practitioners and Scientists from the Nagaland Science & Technology Council (NASTEC). Water issues in the context of climate change, population growth and increased urbanisation were discussed.
Senior scientist at Nagaland Science & Technology Council (NASTEC), Dr Nesatalu Hiese said Nagaland is experiencing an economic water scarcity mainly induced by lack of investment in water resource construction and management to meet the demand. NEN Nagaland Programme Director Wekowe-u Tsuhah highlighted that the Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of ‘Water for All’ by 2030.
