Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio Commissions Rs 26.26 Cr Water Supply Project for 24 Villages in Chiephobozou

Rio Commissions Rs 26.26 Crore Water Supply Project for 24 Villages in Chiephobozou RD Block

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio Commissions Rs 26.26 Cr Water Supply Project for 24 Villages in Chiephobozou


Zhadima, April 29: In a major boost to rural development in Nagaland, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Monday commissioned a long-awaited water supply project benefiting 24 villages under the Chiephobozou RD Block. The commissioning ceremony was held at the Balancing Reservoir Site in Zhadima village.

The project, sanctioned in 2009 under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) by the Ministry of DoNER, is implemented through the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Programme (NERCRMP). It aims to address water scarcity in the region, especially in the hilly terrains of Northern Angami.

In his address, Dr. Rio highlighted the importance of sustainable water management and called access to clean water a basic human right that directly impacts health, education, and economic productivity.

“Good times are ahead,” Dr. Rio said, expressing gratitude to Zhadima and Nerhema villages for their support. He also acknowledged the rich natural water resources in Southern and Western Angami that help sustain even Kohima, the state capital.

The Chief Minister urged communities to protect catchment areas and conserve forest land, calling for voluntary land donations for public welfare. Stressing the urgency of water conservation, he encouraged initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, boring, traditional well rejuvenation, and pumping projects for areas facing acute shortages.

He also touched on governance issues, warning that lack of accountability among public employees was a “curse” to society. Noting that 96% of land in Nagaland is privately owned, Dr. Rio emphasized the need for community-led stewardship in ecological preservation.

While the water supply project was originally planned for 24 villages, only nine villages will benefit immediately, with the rest to be covered in phased implementation due to technical constraints.

PHED Minister N. Jacob Zhimomi, who hosted the programme, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal access to safe drinking water. Acknowledging the challenges of hilly terrain and shrinking water sources, he stressed that the real challenge lies in water availability, not in pipeline infrastructure.

“The problem is not the pipes, but the water itself,” Zhimomi remarked, calling for urgent environmental conservation and responsible forest management.

The programme began with an invocation by Pastor Lhoukuolie Khro of Tsiesema Basa Baptist Church. A technical report was presented by Er. L. Leyang Khiamniungan, Commissioner & Secretary, PHED. Remarks were also delivered by representatives of Zhadima and Nerhema Village Councils, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Er. Subongyanger, Executive Engineer, PHED Kohima Rural Division.

The Rs 26.26 crore project includes intake structures at the Vithorü source, a water treatment plant, pumping mains, an 11-million-litre reservoir, and a distribution network.

In a related development, tourism infrastructure at Tuophema village was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister during the visit, showcasing the state government’s integrated focus on rural and tourism development.


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