Regional Workshop on Public Health and WASH Held in Dimapur for NE States under NeVolution Initiative

Churachandpur, March 27, 2025 – A major regional workshop addressing public health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) concerns across Northeast India was held yesterday in Dimapur, Nagaland. The event, part of the NeVolution initiative spearheaded by Dr. Priscilla C. Ngaihte of NITI Aayog, brought together policymakers, public health experts, and representatives from civil society and government agencies to collaborate on sustainable solutions for the region.

Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Y. Patton, inaugurated the workshop and called for a community-driven, sustainable approach to tackling the region’s sanitation and hygiene issues. Shri Jacob Zhimomi, Nagaland’s Minister of PHED, highlighted the achievements of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), noting improvements in access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Representing Manipur, the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, Shri Dharun Kumar S, delivered a presentation on Swachh Northeast, spotlighting the increasing prevalence of waterborne diseases and the pressing need for stronger infection control measures.

The workshop discussions revolved around three thematic pillars:

Swachh North East – Sanitation and waste management

Swajal North East – Water quality and contamination challenges

Swasth North East – Public health outcomes linked to WASH infrastructure

Key recommendations included enhancing decentralized waste management systems to sustain ODF+ status, extending tap water supply in remote areas, upgrading water purification technologies to address arsenic and fluoride contamination, and strengthening partnerships between government bodies and local communities.

The event marked a significant step forward in creating region-specific strategies to improve public health outcomes through effective WASH practices.