New Delhi, Sept 17: A young mother who successfully turned her parched village in East Khasi Hills into an oasis has told an audience of international experts at the India Water Week in New Delhi, in the presence of India’s President Droupadi Murmu, how water conservation efforts transformed lives back in her native place.
Water warrior from Meghalaya, Kong Lakmen Mary Nongkhlaw of Kyrdemkhla village, under Khatarshnong Laitkroh C & RD Block, was among the only two women water conservationists from across the country to be selected to address the inaugural plenary session of the National Water Week taking place in Delhi from 17th to 20th September.
The event, currently in its 8th year, was inaugurated by President Murmu and this year’s theme has been “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management”.
Hailed as a “Changemaker” Kong Lakmen is a champion in water conservation initiatives and protection of water sources and catchment areas in her village. She has led a successful afforestation movement and helped create multiple water assets that include water chambers and check dams.
Giving her maiden speech in the presence of the president of India at the inaugural program, Kong Lakmen spoke of the challenges and safety issues she and her fellow villagers encountered every day.
“It used to take about 1 km to fetch drinking water and water for other household purposes. We also had to stand in long queues just to get a bucket of water. For washing clothes, we walked 1 – 2 kms to get to the nearest river and this is not only far but it is also risky for our safety. We did not have time to spend with our children and other family members and we were missing the opportunity to work for ourselves and the family,” narrated Kong Lakmen in her speech.
Seeing her determination to take challenges head on, the villagers elected her as the Secretary of the Village Employment Council, a position she has held since 2016. “I am now able to solve these problems through various schemes provided by the Government of India,” she informed.
She told the gathering of experts, participants and dignitaries about the Jal Shakti Abhiyan through which she was able to organize multiple afforestation programmes.
“We were able to plant 16000 saplings till date, constructed 5 water storage tanks, renovated 6 spring chambers to recharge the water and built 4 check dams in our village. We now have the availability of water taps in specific locations in our village which has made it easier for us to collect water and the springs do not dry up even during the winter season,” a proud Kong Lakmen told President Murmu and the delegates.
And she kept the best for the last- “We are now able to spend more time with our family and take care of our children,” said the mother of two young children who shuffles between her conservation efforts and teaching primary school children the importance of being one with nature.
Who is Kong LAKMEN MARY NONGKHLAW
She is a resident of Kyrdemkhla village under Khatarshnong Laitkroh C & RD Block, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.
Married to Ejilson Mawniuh in 2014, they are blessed with two daughters aged 7 and 4 years respectively.
Kong Lakmen completed her Bachelor of Arts from Bormanik College, 3rd Mile, Upper Shillong in the year 2016.
She’s currently working as the Assistant Teacher at Diengkynthong LP School since 31st May, 2010.
Apart from working as a teacher, Lakmen is also actively involved in her community and is also holding the post of Secretary of VWSC and NRM – MLAMP.
Since 2016, she has held the post of the Secretary of the VEC as well. As the secretary of the Village Employment Council, she is recognized as a “Changemaker” by the community and has successfully implemented community led water conservation projects.
She became the President of Mawpyllun Village Organisation and is known for empowering women’s Self-Help groups through livelihood training and entrepreneurship support.
