Attendees and officials during the observance of World Water Monitoring Day at Sangtemla Community Hall, Mokokchung, on September 18, organised by NCCAF.
World Water Monitoring Day observed in Mokokchung
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | September 18
World Water Monitoring Day was observed at Sangtemla Community Hall, Mokokchung, under the theme “Healthy Water, Healthy Society, Healthy Life.” The programme was organised by the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) in collaboration with the Forest & Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas (Nagaland) Project and in partnership with the Tzula (Dikhu) Green Zone Project.
Delivering the welcome address, Tokugha, Vice-Chairman of NCCAF, recalled that the forum was first convened in 2014 at the Tzula (Dikhu) Green Zone Project. He stated that although Nagaland has many conserved areas, they often function in isolation. The NCCAF, he explained, was formed to facilitate collective learning by sharing successful models of conservation while guiding those struggling with management.
He highlighted that the forum has prepared management plans for over 20 villages in Mokokchung district, integrating both conservation and livelihood projects to ensure forest sustainability and promote eco-tourism. He urged participants to take back the knowledge shared by experts and spread the “conservation mission” to the grassroots.
The special guest, Ajay Moktan, IAS, Assistant Commissioner of Mokokchung, congratulated NCCAF and its partners for organising the event. In his address, he underscored that the day’s theme was not merely a slogan but “a call to action for each one of us.”
Pointing out the paradox of water abundance and scarcity in the region, Moktan observed that despite high rainfall, water often drains rapidly to rivers and seas, leaving communities struggling with shortages. He cautioned that deforestation, jhum cultivation, and changing land-use patterns have already begun to reduce water discharge from springs in several villages.
“Without measuring, we cannot manage,” he stressed, urging communities to strengthen spring-shed monitoring, test water quality, and integrate traditional practices such as bamboo drip irrigation with modern methods like rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems. Moktan also reminded farmers of their crucial role in water conservation, noting that “if a farmer saves water, he saves food, and if he saves food, he saves life.”
The programme was chaired by Dr Limasenla Jamir, Information Secretary of NCCAF and also featured a short address by Imliyanger Jamir, Chairman of the Tzula (Dikhu) Green Zone Project. In the technical session, Er Hebo Zhimomi, Executive Engineer of the PHE Department, Mokokchung, spoke on “Healthy Water, Healthy Society, Healthy Life,” while Dr Temjensangla, Associate Professor of Geography at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, presented on “Conservation and Water.” The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session.
