Shillong, Meghalaya — A Tier-III training programme titled “Ground Water Development and Management Practices” was conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on November 2 at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong.
The event brought together experts and stakeholders to address the pressing need for sustainable groundwater management across Meghalaya and the broader Northeast region.
D Rabha, Scientist-D and head of CGWB’s Shillong unit, inaugurated the programme, underlining the importance of grassroots participation in water conservation.
Highlighting the three-tier training model of CGWB, Rabha stressed the significant role that local stakeholders play in safeguarding groundwater—a relatively cleaner but limited resource compared to surface water.
Dr Ravi Ranjan Kumar, from NEHU and Guest of Honour, discussed the pivotal role of groundwater in India’s water-intensive landscape. He praised government-led initiatives like the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ and the ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana,’ aimed at boosting recharge and rainwater harvesting. Dr Kumar noted that the training would help bridge knowledge gaps and empower participants with valuable conservation skills.
Prof Devesh Walia, Dean of NEHU’s School of Human and Environmental Sciences, highlighted the seasonal water scarcity challenges in Meghalaya and emphasized the risks posed by pollution to surface water sources. He advocated for collaborative approaches to groundwater conservation, appreciating CGWB’s role in facilitating the training program to encourage community-driven efforts.
The training featured technical sessions on topics such as hydrogeology, groundwater quality, and rainwater harvesting techniques. Participants also took part in field visits, including a tour of a groundwater monitoring station at Golf Link and a rainwater harvesting site in Mawdiangdiang.
An exemplary rainwater harvesting system designed by Nathanael Newmai was showcased, recognizing his individual contribution to environmental stewardship.
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