Skip to content Skip to navigation

Northeast Faces Water Crisis: NEIWT Calls for Urgent Action on Climate Resilience

By AT News |

The rivers of Northeast India are changing, and not for the better. Once lifelines of the region, they are now at risk due to glacial retreat, erratic rainfall and intensifying floods. On World Water Day 2025, the North-East India Water Talks, or NEIWT, sounded the alarm, submitting a memorandum to key policymakers, including the governor of Manipur, the chief minister of Tripura and water resources ministers from all Northeastern states. Their message was clear: Act now, or the region faces a dire water crisis.

Melting Glaciers a Looming Threat

This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” reflects a sobering reality—Himalayan glaciers are disappearing. Scientists warn that by 2050, river discharge could fall by 15% to 20%, leading to severe water shortages, hydropower failures and biodiversity loss. Financially, the impact could be catastrophic, with hydropower shortfalls alone potentially costing the region more than $2 billion.

NEIWT convenor K.K. Chatradhara painted a grim picture: “The water crisis in Northeast India is no longer a distant threat—it is happening right now. Our rivers are drying, floods are more destructive than ever, and communities are struggling for reliable water access. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”

Five-Point Plan for Water Security

In its memorandum, NEIWT outlined a five-point action plan to tackle the crisis:

  1. Regional cooperation with neighboring countries for transboundary water management.

  2. Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to combat erratic water flows.

  3. Community-driven conservation efforts to restore and protect local water sources.

  4. Cutting-edge research to find long-term solutions for water security.

  5. Stronger governance policies aligned with national and global climate commitments.

The urgency of the situation was echoed by water activists across the region. The memorandum was signed by leading environmentalists from various states, including K.K. Chatradhara of Assam, Ram Wangkheirakpam of Manipur, Ranju Dodum of Arunachal Pradesh, Joannes JTL Lamare of Meghalaya, Zion Lalremruata of Mizoram, Thomas Malsom of Tripura, Tosangla C. Chang of Nagaland and Mayalmit Lepcha of Sikkim.

Raising Awareness Through Discussions and Exhibitions

NEIWT’s advocacy extended beyond policy discussions. The group hosted an online dialogue, “Water: Concerns, Challenges and Caveats from Northeast India,” featuring three young researchers: Donald Takhell of Manipur, Unmillan Kalita of Assam and Thomas Malsom of Tripura. The discussion highlighted the severe challenges posed by climate change and explored potential solutions for sustainable water management.

At Dibrugarh University, NEIWT also took part in Akayan, an exhibition organized by CSWS-DU. The event attracted students, experts and practitioners eager to engage in discussions on the future of water resources. Among the key participants were Manas J. Chutia, Baskar Borah, Jaya Chutia and Pranjal Saikia.

A Literary Tribute to Northeast India’s Water Heritage

The celebrations concluded with a symbolic act of knowledge sharing. Tez Kingkar Borah of NEIWT presented a gift to the District Library of North Lakhimpur, Assam—a newly published book, “Majuli’r Panir Katha.” This collection of 21 water stories from Majuli, published by Sugandhi Pakhila for NEADS with support from the HBS New Delhi Regional Office, offers a heartfelt exploration of the deep bond between the people of Majuli and their water resources.

The Call to Action

As rivers recede and floods become more violent, NEIWT’s message is a stark warning: Northeast India’s water future hangs in the balance. The organization urges policymakers to act decisively, ensuring that communities, ecosystems and economies remain resilient in the face of climate change.

For more information, visit www.newatertalk.in.

Author info

AT News's picture

Assam Times Staff. editor@assamtimes.org
  • 5691 reads

Add new comment

Other Contents by Author

People’s Declaration for a Resilient Brahmaputra Basin Adopted at People’s Consultation in Jorhat

A two-day ‘People’s Consultation on Strengthening Humanitarian Response and Climate Resilience in the Brahmaputra Basin’ concluded today at Hotel Clubway Grand, Jorhat, with the adoption of the People’s Declaration for a Resilient Brahmaputra Basin. The event was organised by the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) in collaboration with the Inter Agency Group (IAG) of Assam and various local humanitarian civil society actors from across the Brahmaputra valley, with support from Start Network. The consultation brought together humanitarian practitioners, climate workers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and women’s collectives to deliberate on...

9th Chalachitram National Film Festival Concludes in Guwahati

Guwahati: Curtains came down on the 9th Chalachitram National Film Festival at the Jyoti Chitraban premises in Kahilipara on 30 November 2025, as distinguished guests at the closing ceremony handed over awards, certificates, and cash prizes to the winning filmmakers in the presence of eminent film personalities, emerging director-producers and cine-goers. Organized by Chalachitram, a subsidiary of Vishwa Samvad Kendra-Assam, the two-day CNFF-25 showcased over 30 short features and documentaries across competitive and screening categories. ‘Koli’, directed by Jyotirmoy Mazumder, was adjudged the best short feature in the Northeast India category, while ‘Joba’, directed by Indira Baikerikar,...

NEHU Hosts IIC Regional Meet 2025; Over 500 Attend Innovation Summit

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Friday hosted the IIC Regional Meet 2025, drawing more than 500 participants from higher educational institutions across the Northeast. The day-long programme, organised under the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), was held at the Multi-Convention Hall on the NEHU campus. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by an introductory address by Prof. Dinesh Bhatia, SPOC of the Regional Meet. Prof. G. Bez, Chairperson of the Meet, delivered the welcome speech, while Prof. I. Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology, NEHU, offered brief remarks....

Tirtha Prasad Saikia Elected to Executive Body of IUCN India National Committee

Guwahati: Tirtha Prasad Saikia, Director of the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) — a local organization and an Indigenous Peoples’ Organization member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) based in Assam — has been elected to the Executive Body of the India National Committee (INC) of IUCN, representing the North-East India region. NEADS works at the intersection of humanitarian response, resilience building, climate action and environmental sustainability, adopting a nexus approach to address the human dimensions of environmental crises arising from both natural and human-induced disasters. The organization emphasizes community well-being...

PLF Awards Conferred at Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival 2025

Guwahati: The Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival (PLF) 2025 concluded this evening at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, wrapping up three days of rich literary discussions, cultural insights, and powerful storytelling. Organized by the Sankardeva Education and Research Foundation, the festival began on 14 November with acclaimed author Shefali Baidya delivering the keynote address. On the final day, the organizers announced the recipients of this year’s prestigious PLF awards. Eminent researcher and author Moneswar Deori was named the recipient of the PLF 2025 Award, while promising young writer Srotashwini Tamuli, a researcher at Birangana Sati Sadhani State University, was declared the...

NEADS Assam Brings Voices of Flood-Affected Communities to Global Climate Summit at COP-30

As the world gathers in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-30), the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) from Assam has stepped onto the global stage to ensure the voices of the region’s flood-affected and climate-vulnerable communities are heard. Representing NEADS as an Observer of the Start Network, Tirtha Prasad Saikia, the organisation’s Director, said the participation marks a crucial moment for the North-East, one of India’s most climate-sensitive regions. “We are here because climate change is not a distant issue for us — it’s our everyday reality,” said Saikia. “Assam’s communities have been battling floods, erosion,...

Zubeen Garg: The Man Who Became a Movemen

“Zubeen Garg was not just a singer — he was a phenomenon. A god in human form for millions,” said Manoj Kumar Das, management professional and commentator from Assam, in a heartfelt conversation reflecting on the life and legacy of the late music legend. Das, who had known Zubeen for more than two decades, recalled his early memories vividly. “He was just a simple, soft-spoken boy when I first met him — full of restless energy, always humming tunes. He could pick up any instrument, any rhythm, and turn it into something magical. But what stood out most was his humility. Despite his fame, Zubeen never carried an ego. He could be sitting on the ground with villagers one day and on stage...

Kati Bihu Celebrated with Devotion and Tradition in Nazira

Along with the rest of Assam, the people of Nazira observed Kati Bihu today with devotion and traditional fervor. The festival, which marks a crucial phase in the agricultural calendar, was celebrated with prayers for a prosperous harvest and protection from natural calamities. As the sun set, households across Nazira lit earthen lamps (chakis) before Tulsi plants and in the paddy fields, symbolizing hope and reverence for nature’s bounty. The flickering lights illuminated the night, reflecting the community’s collective faith in a good harvest season. Also known as Kongali Bihu, Kati Bihu is a more solemn and reflective celebration compared to other Bihus, emphasizing austerity,...

North-East Students Shine at WWF Wild Wisdom Global Challenge 2025

Students from the North-East (excluding Assam) showcased their passion and knowledge for wildlife conservation at the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC) 2025, WWF-India’s flagship wildlife quiz that has been inspiring young minds since 2008. This year’s 18th edition, themed “Incredible Insects”, explored the fascinating world of insects – from butterflies and moths to bees, grasshoppers, mantises, and dragonflies. The challenge, designed for students in grades 6 to 9, combined interactive learning through webinars, informative resources, and a new BioBlitz initiative, encouraging children to connect with nature and understand their role in conserving biodiversity. Over 400,000...

Assam Students Excel in Statewide Wildlife Conservation Competition

October 14, 2025 - Students from Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti School emerged victorious in the Assam State finale of the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge, defeating competitors from 109 other schools in what organizers called one of the most competitive rounds in the program's 18-year history. The competition, held at Miles Bronson Residential School in Guwahati, saw participation from 220 students representing schools from across the state. Ashwin Anand of Class 9 and Anubhadipta Boruah of Class 8 from the winning school will advance to represent Assam in the zonal round of India's largest wildlife quiz competition. STATEWIDE PARTICIPATION REACHES RECORD LEVELS This year's competition...