The severely depleted Etsutchukha water source, which supplies drinking water to nearly 50-60% of households in Wokha town. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | January 8
A critical water source supplying drinking water to a majority of households in Wokha town of Nagaland has dried up to unprecedented levels, triggering a dire shortage.
The Etsutchukha water source, which supplies drinking water to nearly 50 to 60 per cent of households in Wokha town, has depleted severely, highlighting a deepening water crisis in the district.
According to the Etsutchukha Colony Council representatives, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) verbally convened a meeting on January 8 to discuss the issue. However, the meeting was discontinued due to the absence of senior PHED officials, with only a Junior Engineer and a Dobashis representing the district administration.
The colony representatives stated that the crisis is too grave to be addressed at the Junior Engineer level and requires immediate intervention from higher authorities.
Residents submit memorandum to PHED
Earlier, a delegation from the Etsutchukha Colony Ekhung met the Chief Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Wokha on January 6, pressing for urgent action on a five-point memorandum concerning the drinking water crisis in their area.
The memorandum, submitted to the Executive Engineer, PHED, Wokha, on January 3, alleged severe negligence in the maintenance and protection of the colony’s main water source. Residents are reportedly facing a dire shortage of drinking water, it stated.
The demands called for the Immediate restoration of drinking water through drilling/digging or applying of modern technology at Etsutchukha Colony water source. It also sought a ban on all individuals pumping water for business purposes. It emphasised that Etsutchukha water pump (main source) purchased by PHED was originally a traditional well of Etsutchukha colony and therefore, supply drinking water to colony people and nearby who cannot afford to buy themselves.
Further, the colony has demanded the constitution of an inquiry committee to investigate the causes of the water source drying up. Lastly, it has sought an exemption from water fees and bills effective January 2026 until the supply is fully restored.
The memorandum further stated that failure to address the demands would compel the colony to initiate its own drilling or digging within the traditional water source area.
Dept assures tankers, suspends water bills
Following the memorandum, the Office of the Executive Engineer, PHED, Wokha, officially intimated a meeting with the signatories on January 6 at conference hall of the Chief Engineer’s Office, PHED, Kohima.
As recorded in the official minutes of the meeting dated January 7, the meeting was chaired by the Chief Engineer & HOD, PHED. The Chairman of Etsutchukha Colony Ekhung reiterated the five-point demands during the discussion.
Responding to the concerns, the Chief Engineer stated that the drying up of the water source is a natural phenomenon, and clarified that digging without a proper groundwater survey does not guarantee water availability. As an immediate mitigation measure, PHED assured that water tankers would be arranged to supply drinking water to the affected areas.
It was further decided to conduct a joint exercise involving PHED Wokha Division and the Etsutchukha Colony Ekhung to identify the number of borewells in and around the source area. The department will also coordinate with the Geology and Mining Department through the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, for a detailed groundwater survey and to explore possible regulatory measures for borewells.
Significantly, the Chief Engineer informed that the collection of monthly water tariffs will remain suspended until regular water supply is restored.
The meeting concluded with assurances from PHED that all possible steps are being taken to address the crisis, while representatives of the Ekhung agreed to extend cooperation in the joint assessment and follow-up measures.
