Summary Record of Proceedings of National Water Resources ...

Full Text of Speech of Shri Lal Thanhawla, Chief Minister of MizoramHon'ble Prime Minister, Invited Guests, Ladies and GentlemenAnnex VIII am extremely delighted to attend this meeting, and I am all the more privilegedto be able to address this august gathering.At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Water Resources formaking it possible to lay the Draft National Water Policy 2012 in this meeting for reviewand finalization. As we are all aware, this revised draft, approved by the National WaterBoard, was prepared after taking into account, numerous newspaper reports and morethan 600 comments received from various corners till February-end, in response to theinitial draft. Carrying out such an enormous task is really laudable.One of the very important concerns that are highlighted in the present documentis the impact of land use and land cover changes on water availability and quality. Thedetrimental effect has been experienced in our State where shifting cultivation has beenan indigenous occupation of the people. It has resulted in significant changes in the landuse pattern, causing loss of soil fertility, depletion of natural forests, accelerated erosionand increase in sediment loads. It also leads to the problems of food security andincreased poverty. The water sources are either drying up or depleted as a result of theJhumming cultivation. Yes, water is a reflection of land use; and the health of our watersis the principle measure of how we live on the land. Hence, a land use decision is inessence a water decision.It may not be out of place to mention that New Land Use Policy is beingimplemented in the state of Mizoram. This programme aims to progressively wean awayJhumia families from destructive Jhum practices and open opportunities for moreproductive and sustainable livelihood options. It will also be greatly instrumental indeveloping the water resources apart from being a poverty alleviation programme andproviding a level playing field for the poor villagers in terms of economic opportunities.I am also happy to inform you that the Public Health Engineering Department andthe Central Young Mizo Association, the largest NGO in Mizoram has joined hands toaddress the issue of Source Water Protection/Water Catchment Protection and ArtificialRecharging of Aquifers. To further this endeavour, the Government of Mizoram hasrecently formed a Water Resources Management Committee under the Chairmanshipof the Chief Minister of Mizoram. This committee will look into the various issues ofwater resources management with a holistic and inter-disciplinary approach, throughactive involvement and consultation of various stakeholders.The National water Policy 2002 Clause 6.5 has underlined the importance ofgiving special efforts to investigate and formulate projects either in, or for the benefit of,areas inhabited by tribal or other specially disadvantaged groups such as socially weak,36