Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil reviews studies on Assam irrigation projects
New Delhi, May 19
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Tuesday reviewed the expanding role in externally funded projects, including studies on sustainable irrigation development in Assam, economic impacts of Brahmaputra water diversion, and water management practices in North East India.
Speaking at the 6th Meeting of the Governing Body of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM), an institute under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Paatil emphasised the importance of scientific water management.
He also shed light on capacity-building and greater state engagement to address emerging challenges in the North Eastern Region, according to an official statement.
He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening NERIWALM's role as a centre of excellence in water and land management.
A major agenda item included the proposal to establish an Irrigation Field Laboratory and Demonstration Farm to enhance research, field demonstrations, and the dissemination of irrigation technologies in the region.
The Governing Body also discussed recommendations on scholarship support for M.Tech. and Ph.D. students, faculty development, strengthening research capabilities, and advancing studies in climate- and GIS-based applications in water resources management.
Further, the meeting reviewed findings of a significant study on livelihood challenges faced by erosion-affected families in the Brahmaputra Valley and deliberated on sustainable rehabilitation and livelihood interventions for displaced communities.
The Governing Body reviewed the institute's achievements, approved key institutional matters, and deliberated on future strategies to strengthen water and land management in the North Eastern Region.
The Governing Body approved the Annual Report and Audited Accounts for FY 2024-25 and appreciated NERIWALM's continued progress in capacity building, research, and academic activities.
During the year, NERIWALM exceeded its training targets by organising 71 training programmes benefitting more than 2,800 participants, while continuing its specialised MTech and PhD programmes in Water Resource Management.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, these meetings are held often but the ground reality in Assam is grim. My relatives in Majuli face erosion every monsoon. They need sustainable rehabilitation plans, not just studies. The proposal for a Demonstration Farm sounds promising though—if farmers get practical training, it could actually improve livelihoods. Let's see some action now!
Water management in the Northeast is a complex issue given the terrain and monsoon patterns. I appreciate the focus on climate-based GIS applications—those can give real-time data for better decision-making. But the Brahmaputra water diversion idea needs thorough environmental impact assessment. Any diversion could affect Bangladesh too, so diplomatic coordination is crucial.
Great to see NERIWALM training 2800 people in a year! That's real capacity building. But I wish the article mentioned how many of those trainees were women and local youth from erosion-affected families. Sustainable development must include community participation, not just top-down decisions. Still, a step in the right direction. 🌊
One thing I don't understand: why is so much focus on 'externally funded projects'? We have our own water resources and expertise. Relying on foreign funds might bring conditions that aren't in India's best interest. But the Irrigation Field Laboratory idea is excellent—we need more hands-on research to solve local problems. Also, scholarships for MTech/PhD will encourage young researchers to stay in this field.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.