Northeast: In a significant achievement for water conservation efforts in Northeast India, Tripura’s Dhalai district has been honored with the ‘Best District’ title, while Khliehrangnah in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills has been recognized as the ‘Best Panchayat’ at the 5th National Water Awards 2023.
The awards, announced by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, spotlight excellence in water management across multiple categories.
The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti recognized 38 winners, including joint winners, across nine categories.
These included Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, and more, with Dhalai district emerging as the top performer from the Northeast zone.
According to a press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Dhalai’s water conservation efforts were exemplary. Key achievements include the creation of 748 community recharge structures, micro-irrigation systems on an additional 15 hectares, excavation of 63 ponds, construction of 176 check dams with a storage capacity of 9 lakh cubic meters, and 137 rainwater harvesting tanks.
Additionally, 25,684 water bodies in the district were geo-tagged, while over 41 lakh saplings were planted to improve the ecological balance.
The community played a crucial role in these initiatives, with local engagement through awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions. These efforts not only improved water conservation but also strengthened community participation in sustainable resource management.
Khliehrangnah, West Jaintia Hills, was jointly named the ‘Best Panchayat’ (third place) for its innovative water conservation practices. The Panchayat revived 20 water bodies, including 14 springs and six streams, and created a 2,400 cubic meter dugout pond. Additional efforts, such as land rehabilitation through afforestation, contour trenches, and rainwater harvesting systems, were key to enhancing groundwater recharge in the area.
With the increased availability of water, Khliehrangnah was able to bring 135 hectares of land under cultivation, boosting crop productivity. A community-based monitoring system was also established to safeguard water bodies and track water quality, ensuring sustainable use of resources.
The National Water Awards aim to encourage the effective management of water resources in India, highlighting best practices and innovative solutions. These accolades for Dhalai and Khliehrangnah demonstrate the Northeast’s growing leadership in water conservation and community-driven sustainability.
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