Officials along with the participants during an awareness programmes on rainwater harvesting held in Town Council Hall in Chiephobozou on July 27. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, July 28 (MExN): Awareness programmes on rainwater harvesting and water conservation were organised in Chiephobozou, Chümoukedima and Atoizu under the nationwide Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) campaign, themed "Catch the Rain", with officials stressing the need for community participation to ensure long-term water security.
At Chiephobozou, the campaign was organised by the Chiephobozou Town Council at the Town Council Hall on July 27.
Delivering the keynote address, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Executive Officer of the Chiephobozou Town Council, Vekusheyi Rhakho, said every drop of water must be conserved and rainwater harvesting should become a collective responsibility.
He noted that Nagaland receives rainfall well above the global average but a substantial portion is lost through surface runoff without being harvested or conserved. With proper planning and conservation, the state has immense potential to meet its water needs and strengthen water security, he said.
Rhakho said Chiephobozou and surrounding areas regularly face water supply challenges, making rainwater harvesting particularly important. He also appreciated the community's efforts in harvesting rainwater and encouraged residents to strengthen the initiative into a sustained people's movement.
Resource person Kethosenou Usou, Junior Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), explained the objectives of the "Catch the Rain" campaign and highlighted the importance of optimum utilisation of harvested rainwater for drinking, domestic use and agriculture. She also spoke on groundwater conservation and recharge structures to enhance long-term water security.
During the interactive session, participants discussed water scarcity and supply challenges in the area and emphasised the need for community participation and practical rainwater harvesting systems suited to local conditions.
Rhakho also highlighted the indigenous "Zabo" water management system practised in Kikrüma village as an example of effective community-based rainwater harvesting and conservation for agriculture.
As part of the campaign, street mural paintings carrying the "Catch the Rain" message were created at prominent locations in Chiephobozou to promote public awareness.
The programme was chaired by EAC Viketoulie Metha, while Chiephobozou Town Council Chairperson Khrielelie Kerhuo delivered the welcome address and Deputy Chairperson Kekhrieneinuo Zumvu proposed the vote of thanks.
Meanwhile, the Chümoukedima Town Council organised a similar awareness programme at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall on July 27.
The programme, chaired by EAC (HQ) Khriengunuo Theunuo, featured Executive Engineer Hutovi Swu of the Water Resources Department and PHED Junior Engineer Longchendi Wati Longchar as resource persons.
The officials highlighted the importance of rainwater harvesting, efficient water use and practical measures to conserve water at the household and community levels.
In his closing remarks, Chümoukedima Town Council Chairman Lhousito Khro urged citizens to adopt rainwater harvesting practices and work collectively to protect water resources for future generations.
At Atoizu in Zunheboto district, an awareness programme was organised at DB's Hall on July 27 to encourage community participation in protecting water resources.
The event was chaired by Atoizu Town Council councillor Inali Yesca, who described water conservation as a shared responsibility.
Deputy Chairman Ivuka Katty emphasised the importance of public awareness and collective efforts in promoting rainwater harvesting as a practical response to water scarcity.
Junior Engineer Liza Sumi of the Water Resources Department delivered the keynote address, explaining the principles and methods of rainwater harvesting and urging households and institutions to adopt sustainable water conservation practices.
The programme also featured an interactive session on local water-related issues.
Concluding the event, Extra Assistant Commissioner Dr Samuel Akho Konyak P urged participants to put the knowledge gained into practice and spread awareness on water conservation within their communities.
The programme concluded with a benediction by Sumi Totimi Loka president Tozheli Awomi.
