Dimapur, March 16 (MExN): As part of the nationwide water conservation campaign under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Mahotsav Pakhwada 2026 was observed in Dimapur on March 16.
The programme was organised by the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM), Dimapur in collaboration with the PHED Urban Division, Dimapur at the DC Office, Dimapur, as part of the fortnight-long observance being held from March 8 to 22.
Addressing the programme, DC Dimapur Dr Tinojongshi Chang said that while the government has created infrastructure and provided necessary support under the rural drinking water programme, the long-term success of such schemes depends largely on the active involvement of the community. He urged village authorities and community members to take collective responsibility for maintaining water supply systems and other public assets.
“Communities should not depend solely on the government for every issue,” he stated, while calling for greater community ownership in maintaining infrastructure created under government initiatives.
Chang noted that community ownership and participation are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of development initiatives, particularly in rural areas where local cooperation plays a key role in maintaining infrastructure. He encouraged villagers to work together, take initiative and ensure that the facilities provided under government schemes are properly managed and protected for the benefit of future generations.
Executive Engineer, PHED and Member Secretary DWSM Dimapur, Er Bendangtola Walling, in her address said that since 2019 significant infrastructure has been created under the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe drinking water to households in rural areas. With many schemes now completed, she said the focus has now shifted towards handing over these assets to the respective village communities for long-term operation and maintenance.
Walling informed that earlier the handover of schemes to villages was carried out through simple formal agreements. However, under the current initiative, the government has encouraged departments to celebrate the handover process in a more participatory manner to strengthen community ownership and responsibility.
She also informed that the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission Pakhwada, a 15-day campaign, was launched on March 8 coinciding with International Women’s Day to recognise and promote the role of women in managing village-level water assets. She noted that women’s participation in village institutions related to water management remains limited and the campaign aims to encourage greater involvement.
As part of the activities, programmes such as “Jal Aapke Dwar”, community engagement initiatives, system checks and awareness drives are being conducted to ensure that rural water supply schemes are functioning effectively before they are formally handed over to village authorities, she said.
Walling further stated that the government is encouraging communities to conduct surveys and monitor water supply systems themselves using digital platforms so that villagers can assess the functionality of schemes and report issues directly. She added that deserving women who are actively contributing to the management and protection of village water assets are being identified for recognition and awards at higher levels, while nominations from some districts are still awaited.
During the meeting, discussions were also held on key agenda items including the observance of Jal Mahotsav Pakhwada 2026, formation and operationalisation of the District Technical Unit under Jal Jeevan Mission, establishment of Source Sustenance Committees, and clarification of roles and reporting mechanisms for ensuring sustainable rural drinking water supply.
It was also discussed that a District Technical Committee will be formed to monitor issues related to rural water supply after schemes are handed over. The committee will review reports submitted through an online application by village-level functionaries and coordinate with departments to resolve technical problems.
