State para-hydrologists attend PGWM & Springshed development advanced training

Dimapur, August 26 (MExN): The four-days advanced training-cum-workshop on Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) & Springshed development was organized by the Land Resources Department, Nagaland in collaboration with People’s Science Institute (PSI), Dehradun and Advanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM), Pune from August 21 to 24 which was attended by para-hydrologists from all eleven districts.

The training programme comprised of advanced studies on geological aspects and hydrogeological mapping of springsheds, analysis of springshed physical and water quality data and recommendation of appropriate intervention including engineering, vegetative and social fencing.

The programme was highly participatory and concluded with vast theoretical and practical knowledge gained on the subjects including use of scientific tools to aid to their field works. The valedictory programme was chaired by Albert Ngullie, Joint Director on the fourth day of the training with a word of appreciation for the resource persons and participants alike. He also briefly highlighted overall response of the participants to the training programme as the 4th PGWM training concludes and expressed very high hope on the participants and the responsibility attached to it towards springshed development in the state.

Participants had also jointly prepared PowerPoint slides and made presentations in groups highlighting the lessons they have learned and the challenges (they anticipate) as they go back to their respective place of posting to put their knowledge into works. They all expressed enhancement of their springshed management skills through this training and the added confidence that comes with it.

Resource persons from PSI, Dehradun and ACWADAM, Pune shared their observations and recommendations on the overall training sessions. They acknowledged the skills and knowledge gained by the participants over previous trainings and felt that the para-hydrologists are matured enough to stand on their own and even extend training supports to other field functionaries and to the communities in springshed management. Hoto Yeptho, Director, Land Resources in his closing remarks stressed on the importance and priority of Springshed Development. He also mentioned about the sincerity and dedication to bring about a change in the mindset of the people for water security and urged the participants to bring about a Spring Atlas of the state in the near future.

He further said that he was happy that the Departmental Officers and field functionaries were trained by experts and confident that they would transfer the knowledge and skills that they have acquired through this training into the real world. The valedictory function concluded with a vote of thanks from Puvil Kikhi, Deputy Director.