NCI holds National Conference on Water for Climate Resilience at USTM
World Water Day Celebrated by NCI & USTM
9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri-Bhoi, March 22, 2025: On the occasion of World Water Day, a national conference on “Water for Climate Resilience – North East India” was held today at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). The event was organized by Nature Care Initiative (NCI), a New Delhi-based socio-environmental action group, in collaboration with USTM’s Department of Zoology and Department of Earth Science. The conference was supported by Himalayan News Chronicles, a national magazine covering the Himalayan region.
The conference was graced by distinguished personalities, including Mr. Durga Prasad Mishra, Water Technology Expert at Breath Green Pvt Ltd; Prof. Dr. Baldev Raj Gupta, eminent journalist and educationist; Mr. James Kharkongor, Deputy Project Director of the MegArise Project, Meghalaya; Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM; Shri Srikant Sekhar Sahoo, President of Nature Care Initiative; Mrs. Reeta Rani Nayak, Editor of Himalayan News Chronicle; Dr. Narayan Sharma from the Department of Environment and Wildlife Biology, Cotton University; Dr. Mirza Zulfiqur Rehman, Associate Fellow at the Indian Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi; and Dr. Nivedita Paul, Director of the Outreach Cell at USTM. The event was also attended by faculty members from the Zoology and Earth Science departments of USTM, along with enthusiastic students focused on environmental conservation.
A highlight of the event was the felicitation of three recipients of the National Water Award 2024 from Meghalaya in recognition of their exemplary contributions to water conservation. The awardees were: Shri Jibansius Ramshon, 4th National Water Awardee, Headman cum Chairman, VNRMC, Mawkyrdep, Bhoirympong Block; Shri Lamluti Langstang, 5th National Water Awardee, Headman cum Chairman, VNRMC, Khliehrangnah, Laskein Block; and Smt. Pretish S. Sangma, 3rd National Water Awardee 2021, Secretary, Aminda Simsangre, recognized for Best Panchayat (North-East Zone). Their dedication to environmental conservation has significantly contributed to the sustainability of the region.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Prof. Baldev Raj Gupta emphasized the historical and mythological significance of water, underscoring its central role in civilization. Mr. James Kharkongor commended NGOs like Nature Care Initiative for recognizing grassroots environmental heroes, stating that their efforts are instrumental in fostering government-supported conservation initiatives. Water technology expert Mr. Durga Prasad Mishra highlighted the importance of maintaining natural water bodies, stressing that preservation should take precedence over afforestation.
Speaking at the event, Prof. G.D. Sharma noted that such conferences serve as a catalyst for student engagement in water conservation efforts. The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Shri Srikant Sekhar Sahoo, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Reeta Rani Nayak.
The technical session was conducted by Dr. Narayan Sharma, Dr. Mirza Zulfiqur Rehman, and Dr. Nivedita Paul, with moderation by Shri Durga Prasad Mishra. Students actively participated in discussions on key environmental topics, including the Hanging Bridge of