Warning of an emerging water crisis in Shamator, MLA and Chairperson of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Achumbemo Kikon, on Monday cautioned against the indiscriminate boring of wells, stating that excessive groundwater extraction was leading to the drying up of traditional water sources in the newly-formed district.
Speaking during a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner Chubatemjen and district officers, Kikon said water scarcity had already become a concern and urged the administration to prioritise natural water sources, rainwater harvesting and planned water distribution systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
He said Shamator, as a new district headquarters, must be developed in a more planned and environmentally responsible manner than older towns, with emphasis on cleanliness, scientific waste management, reduced pollution and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Highlighting the local impact of climate change, Kikon said erratic rainfall patterns were now being felt at the community level and warned that environmental challenges were no longer distant or abstract. He called for greater administrative preparedness and public awareness to address these changes.
The MLA also reviewed issues related to river pollution, fishing practices and human-animal conflict, stressing that natural resources must be used sustainably. He called for regulation of fishing and hunting practices based on seasonal norms and community resolutions to protect biodiversity.
He said Shamator, as a new district headquarters, must be developed in a more planned and environmentally responsible manner than older towns, with emphasis on cleanliness, scientific waste management, reduced pollution and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Highlighting the local impact of climate change, Kikon said erratic rainfall patterns were now being felt at the community level and warned that environmental challenges were no longer distant or abstract. He called for greater administrative preparedness and public awareness to address these changes.
The MLA also reviewed issues related to river pollution, fishing practices and human-animal conflict, stressing that natural resources must be used sustainably. He called for regulation of fishing and hunting practices based on seasonal norms and community resolutions to protect biodiversity.
Kikon underlined the need for coordination between the district administration, elected representatives and the public to ensure planned growth and effective governance. He said officers posted in the district should work towards leaving a positive legacy through transparency, accountability and public cooperation.
Referring to the absence of local body elections, Kikon said essential services and development should not suffer due to electoral delays, adding that districts were entitled to basic facilities regardless of the status of municipal or town councils.
He asked district officials to submit their key requirements, particularly related to water and energy, to the concerned departments, with copies marked to him, and said he would raise the issues at the government level.
