Start, Share, Spread the message on sanitation & water
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 22
Er. Kevisekho Kruse, Chief Engineer, PHED Nagaland on the occasion of World Water Day 2016, which was commemorated here on March 22 by the PHED, pointed out the efforts of the Department which is working on surface water harvesting. The celebration was held at the conference hall of the Office of the Executive Engineer, Kohima Rural Division, Tsiepfü Tsiepfhe Colony.
Er. Kruse stated that the Department is trying to provide water facilities through surface water harvesting which can be used for drinking water. A project has already been completed at Patkai Christian College which has a capacity of 9 million litres of water and accommodates a population of 3000. On the individual households, low cost tanks can be initiated to save rain water, added Er. Kruse.
Further mentioning the government’s efforts to work on sustainability where studies are being carried out, Er. Kruse also appealed for the people to make it their responsibility. “Any problem related to sanitation and water is your duty and responsibility. Start, share and spread the message. It is not just enough to have water, good quality and handling practices of water are essential. Be ambassadors of sanitation and water. Big problems are coming but we can tackle it by our own intervention and our own involvement,” concluded Er. Kruse.
WSSO Director, Er. K G Sumi who gave the exhortation spoke on the importance of the National Rural Drinking & Sanitation Awareness Week (NRDW&SAW). Stating that the problems in Nagaland are different from mainland India, Er. Sumi highlighted how most Naga villages are situated on the hilltop which makes it difficult for water accessibility since water comes from the top and flows through the downhill. This has made it difficult for the Department to implement water supply, however, the Engineer stated that water harvesting is a big achievement. “Sanitation is not just about having a toilet,” he said, adding that it is also about maintaining hygiene and cleanliness. The main objective of the awareness week was to spread awareness on cleanliness and to let every individual make cleanliness and hygiene a lifestyle.
Also stressing on the importance on washing hands, Er. Sumi pointed that till today many people in villages do not wash their hands with soap after defecation which often leads to diseases. “Using soap to wash one’s hands is the most important part of cleanliness. A small thing like soap can contribute greatly to your health,” stated Er. Sumi. When it comes to sanitation, it is not enough to clean one’s house but cleanliness outside one’s house is equally important. He thus urged people to take responsibility of waste management and informed that schemes on solid/liquid waste management will be arriving soon in the villages.
Winners of essay and drawing competition held during NRDW&SAW in Kohima:
Essay
1st- Chungpongmar, St. Paul School Phesama
2nd- Vimezonu Tetso, Government High School Jakhama
3rd- Vilezon, Loyola Hr. Secondary School
Drawing competition
1st- Vinohonu Khieya, Loyola Hr. Sec School
2nd- Pelevizo Yhokha, Loyola Hr. Sec School
3rd- Ruopfüvi Savi, John Hr. Sec School and Vimhakhozo, St. Paul School Phesama.
