DISTRICT LEVEL WORKSHOP ON GROUNDWATER DATA AND AQUIFER MAPPING HELD IN KOHIMA

KOHIMA, FEB 17: A District Level Workshop on “Dissemination of Ground Water Data, Aquifer Mapping and Groundwater Management Plans of CGWB” was organised by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Eastern Region, Guwahati, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, on February 17, 2026.

Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, who attended the programme as Special Guest, welcomed the Regional Director, Chief Engineer, scientists, and resource persons from CGWB, along with officers from various line departments.

In his address, the DC stated that the Central Ground Water Board is the national apex agency mandated to provide scientific inputs for the management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation, and regulation of groundwater resources in the country. He said the workshop was organised to disseminate the findings of the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) studies, create awareness on groundwater management and quality issues, highlight successful case studies, and share information on schemes under the Ministry of Jal Shakti relevant to the district.

Highlighting that groundwater management is a key indicator of sustainable development, especially in the context of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the DC emphasised the need to translate scientific data into informed policies and practical programmes. He noted that Kohima experiences excess water during the monsoon and acute scarcity during the lean season, and urged departments to utilise scientific inputs effectively. He also informed that participating departments would be asked to submit recommendations so that a consolidated proposal can be forwarded to the State Government.

Regional Director, CGWB, North Eastern Region, Tapan Chakraborty, stated that the Board has been working extensively in the North East and has undertaken groundwater exploration activities in the region, particularly in Dimapur district. He said that while earlier focus was mainly on plains, under the National Aquifer Mapping Programme (NAQUIM), now in its 2.0 phase, hill areas are also being prioritised.

He further highlighted that people in hill states largely depend on springs and streams, and that studies have been conducted in Kohima to assess spring shed management and water scarcity issues. Stressing the importance of water level and water quality monitoring, he urged stakeholders to integrate CGWB data into planning processes. He also encouraged interactive discussions and suggestions from participants.

Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, Nagaland, Er. Thepfusalie Guozi, attending as Guest of Honour, expressed appreciation to CGWB for organising the workshop. He observed that Nagaland is blessed with abundant freshwater from streams rich in essential minerals, but noted that many natural water sources are now drying up or becoming polluted. Emphasising the need for sustainable restoration and management, he said groundwater, which accounts for nearly 30 per cent of freshwater resources, must be utilised optimally as it is not an infinite resource.

During the technical session, Anenuo Pienyu, Scientist-C, CGWB, State Unit Office, Shillong, presented the findings of aquifer mapping and spring shed management studies in Kohima district. The activities and mandates of CGWB were also highlighted by Dr. S. S. Singh, Scientist-D, CGWB, NER, Guwahati.

The workshop also included a demonstration of data access through web portals and GIS tools such as cgwbdata.gov.in, IN-GRESS, and IndiaWRIS, followed by discussion, feedback, and question-and-answer sessions to understand local-level data requirements.

It was informed that CGWB, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, functions as the national apex agency with 18 Regional Offices across the country, supported by Engineering Divisions and State Unit Offices. In the North East, the Regional Office is located in Guwahati, Assam.

The programme aimed to create awareness among government officials, engineers, scientists, academicians, and other stakeholders to promote effective utilisation of groundwater data for sustainable governance and management. (Molungnenla, IA Kohima)