Shillong, Mar 22: World Water Day was celebrated on Tuesday at St Anthony’s College Extension Auditorium, Byndihati, East Jaiñtia Hills District. The theme was “Ground Water, Making the Invisible Visible”.
The programme was organized by the District Water & Sanitation Mission (DWSM), Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM), East Jaiñtia Hills, wherein Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla was the Chief Guest and Deputy Commissioner of East Jaiñtia Hills District Abhilash Baranwal was the Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Shylla said that there has been an increase in the number of water tankers in the district to provide drinking water to households and shops due to overuse of water. He urged the people to start taking steps and measures in order to conserve water which is a necessity of life.
He also stated that many schemes have been sanctioned through the vision and hard work of the government and officials of the PHE department, like the Greater Rymbai Water Supply Scheme which is in the process of completion, Synrang Umlawe Combined Water Supply Scheme, Ummyrho Combined Water Supply Scheme and other ongoing water supply schemes implemented in different villages of the district.
Speaking on the target set by the Government to provide water to every rural household under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) by 2022, the Minister praised the tireless efforts and hard work of the officials and staff of the PHE department while also encouraging them to continue with the same passion, drive and hard work in order to achieve the target.
Meanwhile, East Jaiñtia Hills DC Baranwal said that ground water is the ultimate backup option at times when every water source is polluted or insufficient. He also spoke on the impacts of mindless concretisation of ground water levels due to minimal rainwater seepage, also resulting in the increasing amount of surface water runoff which also has other numerous impacts such as soil erosion, flooding and the major impact of the groundwater not recharging. He also highlighted the qualitative ways such as discharging of waste water, use of fertilizers and pesticides which ultimately lead to water pollution.
The Deputy Commissioner also made the point that everyone should be conscious in their actions as they have an impact on the sources that we can’t even see.
During the programme, J.K Singh, Estate Manager Star Cement Plant, gave a presentation on the topic – Filtration of Water. Others who also spoke at the occasion were P. Synnah, EE, PHE, Electrical Division, Jowai cum Member Secretary, DWSM- JJM, East Jaintia Hills District, R. Nongtdu, SDO PHE Electrical Sub- Division, Rymbai, M. Passah, SDO PHE, RWS Khliehriat Sub- Division and Miio Dkhar, Representative from Cham Cham Village.
Earlier in the programme, Shylla also inaugurated the World Water Day exhibition competition for school students which was conducted as part of the celebration.
The other highlights of the day included Folk Song performed by Gracious Disciple Group, Traditional Dance by PHE Staff, performance by Elisha Sympli and prize distributions to the winners of the exhibition and drawing competitions.
