Nagaland Chief Secretary, Dr J. Alam chairing the consultative meeting on Barak River Basin Management Plan & Collaboration between Indian-EU Initiative and Brahmaputra Board in Kohima on July 22. (DIPR Photo)
Five districts already declared water-distressed: Chief Secretary
KOHIMA, JULY 22 (MExN): A consultative meeting on the Barak River Basin Management Plan and collaboration between the India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP) initiative and the Brahmaputra Board was held at the Chief Secretary's Conference Hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on July 22.
Delivering the introductory remarks, GIZ Director Laura Sustersic stated that the strategic partnership between the European Union and India aims to exchange best practices, adapt European experiences to the Indian context, and develop sustainable solutions for effective water resource management.
Highlighting water management as a critical area for cooperation, Sustersic said it supports broader goals such as economic development, peace, security, agriculture, fisheries, energy, and environmental protection. She also emphasised the role of GIZ in implementing projects across the Ganges-Brahmaputra hydrological system, with special focus on the Barak River Basin.
Calling for sustainable development that protects the region’s natural beauty, she urged Nagaland to prioritise environmentally friendly approaches while pursuing its development goals.
Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board, Dr Ranbir Singh, IAS, said water shortage is a serious issue in Nagaland despite the state receiving adequate rainfall. Stressing the urgency of water security, he said it was essential to identify and understand the unique challenges faced in the Nagaland segment of the Barak River Basin.
Dr Singh emphasised the importance of equity and sustainability in water planning and called on all stakeholders to take responsibility and work collectively to ensure resource management for future generations.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Secretary Dr J Alam, IAS, stated that five districts in Nagaland have already been declared as water-distressed, despite abundant rainfall. He said the state continues to face an acute shortage of water during the lean season.
Dr Alam appreciated the various initiatives of the Brahmaputra Board, which he said have proven beneficial to the state. He expressed hope that the Barak River Basin Management Plan would open new opportunities for future action and enable collaboration with relevant experts.
The Chief Secretary further urged the Brahmaputra Board to formulate a separate water management plan tailored to Nagaland, enabling the state to better utilise available water resources for long-term sustainability. He acknowledged the Brahmaputra Board team for their deep expertise and said the state looked forward to further collaborative efforts on water conservation.
A PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the IEWP/GIZ team, providing an overview of the India-EU partnership and achievements in river basin management.
General Manager of the Brahmaputra Board, Abhay Kumar, offered closing remarks on the Barak Basin Management Plan. Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Er Thepfusalie Gozie, delivered the vote of thanks.
The meeting also featured an open discussion session during which senior officials from various line departments highlighted both challenges and opportunities related to the project.
