Patkai Christian College holds lecture series on environmental challenges

Chümoukedima, October 23 (MExN): Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), through its Department of Geology, organised the Fourth Geo Lecture Series on Friday, focusing on waste management, water conservation and monsoon-induced disasters in Nagaland.The programme, held at the UGC Conference Hall of the college, began with the felicitation of the invited speakers by Dean of Science Dr Th Devala Devi.Akangmeren Imchen, Scientist C and Water Divisional Head of the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), delivered the first lecture on waste management and water conservation.Highlighting the growing challenge of waste generation, Imchen said each individual produces approximately 0.4 kg of waste daily.He stressed the importance of waste segregation at source and home composting to reduce open burning and indiscriminate dumping. He also pointed out that compost production and the sale of recyclable dry waste could create livelihood and entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities.On water pollution and conservation, Imchen expressed concern over groundwater depletion and contamination in Nagaland.Citing Dimapur as an example, he said the water table, which was approximately 10 feet below ground level in 1986, had declined to more than 35 feet.He urged people to refrain from dumping waste into water bodies, plant more trees to facilitate groundwater recharge and adopt responsible water conservation practices.The second lecture was delivered by Rendemo Shitio, Assistant Manager and Nodal Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Chümoukedima, on the topic “Monsoon Fury in Nagaland”.Shitio discussed recurring monsoon-related hazards in the state, including road collapses, landslides and flooding, and highlighted their impact on communities and infrastructure.He emphasised the need for a comprehensive disaster management strategy encompassing prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.He also underscored the importance of incorporating geological assessments into infrastructure planning, strengthening community-based early warning systems and improving drainage networks to reduce disaster risks.Highlighting the principle of “Build Back Better”, Shitio advocated the development of safer, stronger and more resilient infrastructure to minimise the impact of future disasters and safeguard lives and livelihoods.The programme concluded with closing remarks by Dr Devala Devi.The lecture series provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and raised awareness about environmental sustainability, responsible resource management and disaster risk reduction, particularly in the context of Nagaland's geographical and climatic challenges.