Changlang – During a recent visit to Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh’s Water Resources Minister, Mama Natung, called for innovative approaches to address the region’s water management challenges. The minister inspected ongoing water resource projects and engaged with local stakeholders in a public meeting, stressing the importance of sustainable practices to ensure long-term water security.
Natung advocated for the use of advanced technologies, such as smart irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting, to improve water conservation efforts amid growing climate change concerns and rising demand. He emphasized the need to protect water bodies in Changlang, a key agricultural area, where issues like flooding and erosion have been persistent. The minister encouraged community participation in these efforts, urging locals to take an active role in preserving the region’s natural water resources.
As part of his visit, Natung assessed the progress of several initiatives, including the development of check dams and irrigation channels designed to enhance water access for farmers. He instructed officials to accelerate these projects while ensuring they meet environmental sustainability standards. The minister’s focus on innovation comes in response to the ongoing degradation of water resources in Arunachal Pradesh, driven by factors such as deforestation and traditional jhum cultivation practices, which have contributed to the loss of wetlands and critical catchment areas.
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the proposed North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA), which could play a significant role in improving flood control and water governance across the region. Natung expressed hope that NEWMA would help manage the Brahmaputra basin’s resources more effectively, promoting a unified strategy to tackle water-related challenges.
While local farmers and community leaders appreciated the minister’s emphasis on innovation, they voiced concerns over the slow pace of past projects and implementation gaps. In response, Natung pledged to ensure consistent oversight and greater community involvement in upcoming initiatives, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable development. His visit reflects a broader push to harmonize development goals with environmental preservation in Arunachal Pradesh, a state grappling with the dual pressures of growth and ecological vulnerability.
