IMPHAL, Oct 24 - The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) is exploring ways to find �community based solution� for efficient way of conserving water in North Eastern region of the country which is one of the wettest place on this planet.
In an exclusive interview with The Assam Tribune at his office in New Delhi recently, TERI Director General Dr Ajay Mathur said, �We need to find specific community based solution for water conservation in the hilly terrains of North Eastern Himalayan region.� Only 21 per cent of households in the NE region reportedly have access to tap water, though there is enough rainfall, due to lack of conservation practices.
Dr Mathur, who is a member of Prime Minister�s Office on Climate Change, expressed the need to think and work on geography, contour while taking up water conservation activities in the region.
On the Smart City concept in the region with special reference to the improvement of the urban transport system, Dr Mathur informed, �Some works are on in Shimla and Dharmashala and I hope the actual planning will teach us the best solution.�
Most experts in the field of water management have also recommended efficient rainwater harvest system, proper conservation of water by developing required infrastructure in the region while speaking in the four-day World Sustainable Development Summit organised by TERI in Delhi recently.
Country representative Dr Alok Sikka of International Water Management Institute, a scientific research organisation focusing on suitable use of water and land resources in developing countries, said, �NE region requires efficient rainwater harvest system besides enhancing conservation and storage facilities. We have been in Mizoram and Meghalaya, so we know the potentials there�, he added.
Chairman Dr A Ravindra of Centre for Sustainable Development and Institute for Social & Economic Change appealed to �capture the rain water� for sustainable development in NE region which gets 2,500 mm of rainfall on an average. Programme Leader Dr Geneviene Connors of World Bank India office also observed that the WB is taking up certain projects in Assam considering the water issues in the region where flash floods are prone during rainy days.
