Shillong, March 23: With rapid urban growth and shrinking water sources raising concerns, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in West Khasi Hills marked World Water Day with a strong call for community-led water conservation and management.

The observance, held at Trysem Hall in the DC Office complex, also featured a Jal Arpan Ceremony, bringing together officials, community representatives, and stakeholders under the theme “Water and Gender.”

Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak who attended as Chief Guest, warned that increasing pressure on land and water resources in Nongstoin could lead to serious consequences if not addressed immediately.

She noted that the town is among the fastest-growing urban centres in the district, with expansion leading to encroachment into natural water bodies and depletion of traditional sources.

“People often realise the value of water only during scarcity. If timely measures are not taken, conflicts over water could become a reality in the future,” she cautioned, urging collective responsibility to safeguard water for coming generations.

Highlighting the role of grassroots institutions, Nayak stressed that Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Employment Councils (VECs) and local communities must take ownership of water infrastructure and ensure its upkeep.

Earlier, Superintending Engineer L.O. Dhar welcomed the gathering, while Executive Engineer Teilang Kharrubon elaborated on the World Water Day theme, emphasising the intersection of water access and gender roles.

Kharrubon said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the PHE Department is ensuring water supply up to storage points, but responsibility for distribution to households lies with village communities. He urged villages to designate individuals to regulate equitable water supply and avoid exclusion.

He also flagged a key concern — the misconception that JJM infrastructure belongs solely to the government. “Unless communities take ownership of pipelines and systems, delays in maintenance will continue to affect water supply,” he said.

The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to villages that have successfully achieved functional household tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

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