National conference on water for climate resilience held at USTM, highlights key conservation efforts

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 23, 2025

On World Water Day, a national conference on “Water for Climate Resilience – Northeast India” was held on Saturday at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). Organized by Nature Care Initiative (NCI), a New Delhi-based socio-environmental action group, in collaboration with USTM’s Department of Zoology and Department of Earth Science, the event aimed to address critical water conservation challenges in the region. The conference was supported by Himalayan News Chronicles, a national magazine covering the Himalayan region.

The event brought together distinguished experts, including Durga Prasad Mishra, Water Technology Expert at Breath Green Pvt Ltd; Prof. Dr. Baldev Raj Gupta, eminent journalist and educationist; James Kharkongor, Deputy Project Director of the MegArise Project, Meghalaya; Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM; Srikant Sekhar Sahoo, President of Nature Care Initiative; Reeta Rani Nayak, Editor of Himalayan News Chronicle; Dr. Narayan Sharma from Cotton University’s Department of Environment and Wildlife Biology; Dr. Mirza Zulfiqur Rehman, Associate Fellow at the Indian Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi; and Dr. Nivedita Paul, Director of the Outreach Cell at USTM.

Faculty members from the Zoology and Earth Science departments, along with enthusiastic students, actively participated in the event, engaging in discussions on environmental conservation.

A key highlight of the conference was the felicitation of three recipients of the National Water Award 2024 from Meghalaya for their outstanding contributions to water conservation:

Jibansius Ramshon, 4th National Water Awardee, Headman cum Chairman, VNRMC, Mawkyrdep, Bhoirympong Block.

Lamluti Langstang, 5th National Water Awardee, Headman cum Chairman, VNRMC, Khliehrangnah, Laskein Block.

Pretish S. Sangma, 3rd National Water Awardee (2021), Secretary, Aminda Simsangre, recognized for Best Panchayat (North-East Zone).

Their efforts have played a crucial role in fostering sustainable water conservation practices in the region.

Delivering the keynote address, chief guest Prof. Baldev Raj Gupta emphasized the historical and mythological significance of water, highlighting its vital role in human civilization. James Kharkongor commended NGOs like Nature Care Initiative for recognizing grassroots environmental heroes and fostering government-supported conservation initiatives. Water technology expert Durga Prasad Mishra stressed the importance of preserving natural water bodies, asserting that conservation should take precedence over afforestation.

Prof. G.D. Sharma noted that such conferences catalyze student involvement in water conservation efforts. The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Srikant Sekhar Sahoo, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Reeta Rani Nayak.

The technical session, moderated by Durga Prasad Mishra, featured discussions led by Dr. Narayan Sharma, Dr. Mirza Zulfiqur Rehman, and Dr. Nivedita Paul. Students actively participated in discussions on significant environmental topics, including the Hanging Bridge of Meghalaya, the Brahmaputra River, Asia’s Cleanest Village, Mawlynnong and the Umngot River (Dawki River).

Nature Care Initiative, a socio-environmental action group with a pan-India presence, remains dedicated to addressing environmental challenges. Since its inception in 2014, NCI has been working across multiple domains to promote ecological balance and sustainable development.

The conference underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to safeguard water resources and combat climate change in the Northeast.