Dimapur, October 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Friday expressed serious concerns over the impacts of climate change and cautioned that it will have “serious effects on life expectancy and economy.”
A press statement issued by NPCC President K Therie stated that, in 2021 there was shortfall in monsoon rains. “Many farmers failed to cultivate their paddy fields while Jhum cultivation and horticulture yields have also declined. We have witnessed increased temperatures, droughts and insect outbreaks,” the release stated.
The NPCC President observed that in Dimapur, people normally stop using air conditioners by mid-September but in 2021, for the first time, people are still using ACs till late October. “Perhaps deforestation during construction of four lane highway and railway tracks is a factor that has contributed to the searing summer heat,” Therie opined and said that the government should plan to recover the loss of greenery on account of development.
Further, the NPCC President pointed out that there is a decline in ground water levels as well. It alleged that perhaps more than 70% of the population depends on water supply from ground wells as “government water supply has terribly failed.”
He observed that people are spending huge amounts in buying drinking water bottles and urged the government to provide treated water for public consumption. The NPCC also said that unlike in the past years, people have started depending on civil supplies.
Therie also stated that the government has not shown any preparation to meet extra ordinary natural calamities and added that it should to be ready to meet heavy showers and floods as well as droughts, “as the climate has become more unpredictable evident across the world.”
He further called out the government for stopping movement of trucks during daytime, stating that it is taking a huge toll on public economy. “It is a crime to stop goods carriers for 12 hrs. Govt should allow trucks to move without stopping them during the day,” the NPCC President opined.
Therie highlighted the need for bringing up plans to prevent health risks and promote good healthy practices among citizens. Rural health services are also in dire need of attention, he added.
Stressing on a welfare government, Therie said, “If the elected members cannot think of anything more than winning election with money and power, at least the intellectuals should preserve our generations with a moral sense of social responsibility.”
