Nagaland Assembly Panel Conducts Ground Checks on Water Bodies, Flags Urgent Climate Concerns

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Committee on Environment and Climate Change has begun spot verifications of key water bodies in and around Kohima to assess environmental degradation and highlight urgent climate concerns.

Key Findings from the Inspection

The seven-member panel, led by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, conducted inspections at Dzüvurü, Vurierü, and Sanuorü streams, along with a solid waste management plant in Lerie and a waste segregation facility in Meriema. The committee interacted with local leaders and urged citizens to stop polluting rivers with plastic waste and sewage.

Kikon emphasized the severe water shortage in Kohima and across Nagaland, warning that future conflicts may arise over water resources if urgent action is not taken.

Government’s Response and Action Plan

Committee member Zhaleo Rio outlined ongoing sanitation and water treatment projects aimed at intercepting and treating contaminated water before releasing it back into rivers. The panel also plans to expand its inspections beyond Kohima to other districts, including Dimapur, in compliance with National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives.

The committee will collaborate with 16 to 17 government departments, including forest, environment, urban development, agriculture, and fisheries, to implement climate-resilient infrastructure and improve environmental conditions.

Call for Public Participation

Kikon urged citizens to take responsibility for cleaning and preserving water sources, stating that Nagaland has the potential to be more beautiful than Switzerland or Singapore if environmental efforts are prioritized.

With climate change posing increasing challenges, the Nagaland Assembly’s proactive approach signals a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.