Longding apprises central team on water scarcity

LONGDING, 29 Jun: Longding-Pumao MLA Tanpho Wangnaw has drawn the attention of a central team which was in the district recently, regarding water shortage in Longding district.

He stated that the issue of water scarcity is ‘hard reality.’

“We are endeavoring our best to address the issue; hopefully with the central team visit and involvement, our efforts will get the much needed momentum and push,” he said while addressing the two member centre team who were in the district to take stock of the progress of ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 22 and to discuss ways for effective implementation of the JSACTR 22 and preparation of water conservation plan.

Wangnaw also talked about requirement of funds for ongoing water project in the district.

NITI Aayog joint secretary KS Rejimon and Mausumi Sahoo also shared their experiences, observation and feedback.

Rejimon urged everyone to take up reformative action and build check dams for mitigating the issue of water scarcity informing that he will take the issue of water scarcity of Longding at the appropriate forums.

He appreciated the efforts being taken up by district administration and concerned departments towards mitigating the issue of water scarcity. He appreciated the model of Ranglua where 1400 pits have been dug for recharging ground water under the leadership Kanubari Gabriel D Wangsu. He also commended the efforts of Wangnaw for setting up a rain water harvesting unit with a capacity of 3 lakhs liters of water.

Mausumi said that Longding has unique issues and therefore the solutions need to be region specific using localized techniques. She suggested the district to come up with a comprehensive District Water Conservation Plan.

Longding DC Bani Lego said that he will coordinate with all the departments and will come up with an effective and comprehensive plan. He said that priority would be given to Amrit Sarovar to mitigate the issue of water scarcity in the district.

PHED executive engineer Tage Nipa suggested that Longding should be in the list of water stressed district.

EAC-cum-DRDA project director Dakli Gara also spoke on the occasion.

During the tour, the team visited Luaksin, Sangsatham, Mophakat, Hasse Russa, Ranglua, Kanubari Forest Reserve, Zedua, Senua and Janglo. (DIPRO)