Kohima, April 13: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav chaired a comprehensive review meeting with officials of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) at the Naga Bhavan Conference Hall in Lok Bhavan, Kohima, to assess the progress of water supply, sanitation, and rural hygiene programmes being implemented across the state.
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| Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav chairs a review meeting with PHED officials at Naga Bhavan Conference Hall, Lok Bhavan, Kohima to assess water supply and sanitation initiatives in the state.(Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The meeting focused on evaluating the achievements and challenges of key government initiatives aimed at improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for citizens. Senior PHED officials, led by Secretary Zarenthung Ezung, presented detailed reports on the department’s ongoing projects and highlighted progress made under flagship national programmes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G).
According to the department, Nagaland has made significant strides in providing household tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission. As of April 1, 2026, the state has achieved 94.91 percent household tap water coverage, with more than 3.45 lakh households connected to functional tap water supply systems. Officials informed the Governor that several districts and administrative blocks have already attained 100 percent Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC), marking a major milestone in the state's efforts to ensure universal access to potable water.
The review also covered the progress of sanitation initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen. PHED officials reported that 1,258 villages, representing nearly 88 percent of villages in the state, have been declared ODF Plus (Open Defecation Free Plus). This achievement reflects sustained efforts in improving sanitation infrastructure, promoting community hygiene practices, strengthening waste management systems, and encouraging behavioural change at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, officials presented several success stories from different districts, showcasing innovative and community-driven approaches to water supply and sanitation management. These included examples of village-led water conservation efforts, locally managed water distribution systems, and effective waste management initiatives that have enhanced public participation and ownership of development programmes.
Governor Yadav appreciated the department's achievements and acknowledged the role of local communities, village councils, and field workers in implementing these programmes. However, he also emphasized the need to address emerging challenges that could affect the sustainability of water supply systems in the future.
Among the key concerns discussed were the depletion of natural water sources, funding limitations, maintenance of infrastructure, and the need for long-term planning to ensure uninterrupted water availability. The Governor stressed that sustainable water management practices must be integrated into all future development plans and urged officials to ensure the timely completion and maintenance of projects.
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Highlighting the importance of conservation, Yadav strongly advocated for the promotion of rainwater harvesting, particularly in urban centres and water-stressed areas. He noted that harvesting rainwater could play a crucial role in mitigating future water shortages and strengthening water security across the state.
The review meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the PHED to accelerate ongoing projects, improve service delivery, and work closely with communities to achieve the state's water and sanitation goals. Officials reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring that every household in Nagaland has access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in the years ahead.
