HT Correspondent
HAFLONG, Sept 15: The Central Team for Jal Shakti Abhiyan visited Dima Hasao to assess the progress of the initiative. During the visit, the secretary of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Partha Johori, ACS, inaugurated a Jal Shakti Kendra at the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council in Haflong. This inauguration was attended by the central nodal officer of Jal Shakti Abhiyan for Dima Hasao, Sangeet Singla, director of Food & Public Distribution, and technical officer of Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Dr Nilomoni Barman, scientist from Central Ground Water, Eastern Region, among others.
In his address, secretary Partha Johori explained that the central team’s visit aimed to make field visits and coordinate with line departments to assess the progress of Jal Shakti Abhiyan in Dima Hasao.
Singla emphasised that the Jal Shakti Kendra’s main objective is to create awareness among the public, students, and stakeholders regarding water conservation and preservation methods. These methods include rainwater harvesting, the renovation of traditional water bodies like tanks and ponds, and natural ways to recharge stream water. He stressed the importance of judicious water use and informed that the Kendra would serve as an information centre for water resource management and conservation in the district. He encouraged line department officials to discuss their activities and water-related issues.
Deputy secretary Prabhat Pegu, DHAC, welcomed the central nodal officer and urged officers to freely express any doubts or concerns.
Dr Nilamoni Barman encouraged line department officials to raise awareness about water-saving habits and the judicious use of natural resources to safeguard them for future generations. He also emphasised activities related to stream water source sustainability and the importance of planting trees to mitigate soil erosion and water scarcity.
The central team later visited the public water supply system with department officials to assess its functionality. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan aims to provide water to every household and promote water conservation and sustainable management practices.