Although Nagaland along with the other Northeast states receives very high rainfall during the monsoon, during the lean season experiences water scarcity even for drinking purpose, said Y Kikheto Sema.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Special Correspondent
Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) Nagaland Y Kikheto Sema, on Wednesday met Union Secretary, Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Pankaj Kumar, who was also the former Chief Secretary of Nagaland, at New Delhi.
According to an official bulletin, Sema shared about the water scarcity in the state which has been compounded by the drought-like situation during the year. He also mentioned that although Nagaland along with the other Northeast states receives very high rainfall during the monsoon, during the lean season experiences water scarcity even for drinking
purpose.
He emphasized that food security and doubling the crops of the farmers cannot be achieved without water security.
Sema expressed his happiness that an officer who has served in Nagaland in various capacities and someone who understands the situation of the region is now currently the Union Secretary to formulate
the policy and schemes on water conservation and management for the hilly states.
The APC stressed the importance of catchment area treatment and shared his experiences of the springshed development which was introduced and successfully implemented by Land Resources Department
and suggested to the Union Secretary for implementation of similar programmes.
He also pointed out that most of the rivers and streams of the region have been exploited and damaged by the removal of sands and stones which has adversely affected the agriculture sector and suggested introducing programmes for rejuvenation of the springs, rivers and river basin management.
Meanwhile, the Union Secretary welcomed the suggestions and stated that the union government was also planning to hold consultants and conferences in future to discuss these issues.
He admitted that the importance of spring shed and rejuvenation of springs, rivers and water bodies and conveyed that he would also take up the matter with the Ministry of Agriculture and farmer’s welfare.