World Water Day observed

Mokokchung, March 23 (MExN): On the occasion of World Water Day on March 22, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur urged people to save and conserve water. Speaking as chief guest at the closing function of the National Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Awareness Week which coincides with World Water Day at Christian Higher Secondary School here, the DC Kesonyü Yhome said that districts which have access to drinking water in the state need to give a thought about those which do not have access to it by saving and using resources judiciously.   A press release informed that Yhome dwelt on the problems and challenges faced to have access to potable water and the impending dangers, especially through chemical contamination. He also expressed concern over the growing iron content in Dimapur district. He said that while having access to water is a challenge, the bigger challenge the country faces is access to safe and potable water. He urged the students to share the information gathered within their families and community.   P. Khetoi, Executive Engineer, PHED (Urban) division gave a background of the National Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Week which was launched on March 16 in Dimapur and activities undertaken during the week. He urged the students and teachers present to evolve and inculcate a conservationist mindset and to act as brand ambassadors in spreading awareness on conservation of forest, so as to conserve water.   Coinciding with the culminating programme of National Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Awareness campaign, World Water Day was observed at Longkumer Kilem in Mokokchung Town on March 22 with SDO(C) Mokokchung, T. Lemlila Sangtam as the chief guest. Lemlila stated that the community needs to come forward and work hand in hand with the department concerned in promoting clean water conservation. She also stressed on the need to educate the village functionaries and especially the youth as they play an important role in the society. The programme was organized by PHED Mokokchung and sponsored by Water & Sanitation Support Organization (WSSO) PHED, Kohima.   In Wokha, World Water Day celebration was organized by PHED in collaboration with Team Metamorphosis at LTC Hall, which was attended by leaders of various levels from 19 villages. Engineer Vihuto, Executive Engineer, PHED Wokha shared on the importance of water conservation and the scarcity of water the whole world is facing, a press release informed. Aremo Ovung, the Chemist of the department, shared on the role of water in our everyday lives, how use of pesticides and other chemical can contaminate the ground water. Team Metamorphosis, an active NGO in the district, presented a video and a short play on judicious usage of water, conservation and plantation of appropriate trees, conservation of water in times of plenty so that during lean season one may still have sufficient water to meet the various needs of our everyday lives.