Khliehrangnah village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district has secured the joint third position in the Best Village Panchayat category at the prestigious National Water Awards held in New Delhi. This accolade recognizes the village’s exemplary efforts in water conservation and management, as they have successfully renovated and revived 20 water bodies, including 14 springs and six streams, and created a new pond. These initiatives have significantly enhanced groundwater levels and facilitated the irrigation of the entire 135-hectare cultivable land in the village, resulting in improved crop productivity.
Key measures undertaken by the village include the construction of contour trenches, afforestation for land rehabilitation, development of dug-out ponds, and implementation of rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, a community-based monitoring system has been established to oversee water quality and prevent encroachments and illegal activities affecting water bodies. The village has also invested in training programs and exposure trips for villagers to model communities, boosting their efficiency in groundwater recharge activities.
The National Water Awards, now in their fifth edition, aim to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage best practices among states, districts, villages, schools, industries, and civil societies. Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil presided over the ceremony, with President Droupadi Murmu also attending.
In response to the village’s achievement, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma praised the community’s dedication to sustainable water management and the collaborative efforts with the government. He emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for enhancing ecosystems and promoting sustainability. The award was received by Lamluti Langstang, the village headman, and Gunanka DB, Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/10/23/khliehrangnah-village-bags-laurels-at-national-water-awards/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2024-10-23 02:13:00
