Kohima , Mar 27: A Regional Workshop on Public Health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) for Northeast states was held on March 26, 2025, at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by the Park, Chumoukedima. Organized in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the Nagaland government under the NeVolution initiative, the workshop aimed to address public health challenges related to water quality, sanitation, and waste management in the region.
The workshop focused on three key areas—Swachh North East (Sanitation, Solid & Liquid Waste Management), Swajal North East (Water Quality and Contaminants), and Swasth North East (Public Health Implications of WASH). Data presented during the event highlighted tap water coverage across the Northeast, with Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram achieving 100% coverage, while other states reported varying levels: Assam (81.46%), Manipur (79.59%), Meghalaya (82.01%), Nagaland (92.76%), Sikkim (91.03%), and Tripura (85.42%).
Nagaland Public Health Engineering and Cooperation Minister Jacob Zhimomi, speaking as a special guest, stated that out of 3,63,829 rural households in Nagaland, 92.76% have been provided with Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC). The state plans to provide the remaining 26,331 households with water supply by March 2025. He also noted that 62.25% of villages in Nagaland have been certified as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with certification pending for the remaining villages.
The minister further outlined plans to enhance waste management across Nagaland in 2025-26, including setting up solid waste management facilities in 549 villages, greywater management in 518 villages, plastic waste management units in 16 blocks, and faecal sludge management systems in six blocks. The proposed Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2025-26 includes projected costs of Rs. 5566.27 lakh for Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Rs. 3581.86 lakh for 15th Finance Commission Tied Grants, and Rs. 5111.40 lakh under MGNREGS.
Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, highlighted challenges affecting development in Nagaland, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited technical expertise, and regional geographical constraints. He emphasized the need for national poverty alleviation programs to be tailored to local and regional requirements.
The workshop also featured technical sessions on sanitation, water quality, and public health, with a keynote address by NITI Aayog Programme Director Yugal Joshi on accelerating public health and WASH outcomes in aspirational districts and blocks.
