States » EastPosted at: Jun 23 2025 9:51PM


Arunachal Guv inaugurates HIM Samwaad 2025 to address Himalayan health & water challenges

Itanagar, June 23 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik on Monday inaugurated ‘HIM Samwaad 2025’, a three-day national dialogue aimed at addressing critical social, environmental, and policy challenges facing the Himalayan region.
The inaugural session was held at the Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall, Niti Vihar here.
In his inaugural address, the Governor emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between governments, academic institutions, civil society, and local communities.
“The path forward lies in building capacities, drawing from indigenous wisdom, and embracing innovation to achieve sustainable development,” he said.
Describing HIM Samwaad 2025 as an important platform for dialogue and a launch pad for concrete action, the Governor underscored the importance of building resilient systems to ensure clean water, robust public health infrastructure, and long-term sustainability for the Himalayan region.
He lauded the efforts of Sewa International, RIWATCH, the State Government, and environment-conscious NGOs in organizing the event, which this year places a focused spotlight on Health and Water—the two deeply interlinked pillars of life in the mountains.
“Clean water in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem is not just about meeting daily needs—it is central to health, resilience, and survival,” the Governor stated.
He warned that climate change, glacial retreat, and poor water management practices are putting immense stress on traditional water sources, directly affecting lives and livelihoods.
He said HIM Samwaad offers a timely opportunity to bring together experts, policymakers, and grassroots voices to craft community-led solutions in water conservation, hygiene, and healthcare. This integrated focus aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 (Good Health) and
SDG 6 (Clean Water).
Citing a major milestone, the Governor shared that Arunachal Pradesh has achieved 100% saturation under ‘Har Ghar Jal’ initiative, becoming the first Northeastern state and the 10th in India to do so. However, he stressed that household tap connections are just the beginning.
“The next step is ensuring clean water access in every health facility, from rural clinics to major hospitals,” he stressed.
The Governor also highlighted the significance of traditional knowledge systems in water management and healthcare.
He praised the State Biodiversity Action Plan as a model that bridges traditional knowledge with scientific planning and community participation.
The Governor also spoke warmly of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, calling them “the heart and soul of the state”, whose deep-rooted traditions and sustainable lifestyles offer valuable lessons for the modern world.
He also outlined the transformative journey Arunachal is on with expanding roads, green energy, and a growing tourism sector, guided by sustainability.
Addressing the unique challenges of border villages, many of which are located just 20-40 km from international boundaries, the Governor stressed the need for inclusive and ecologically sensitive development, backed by strategic national interest.
He also called for joint efforts in transboundary water resource management through diplomacy and mutual cooperation. A new initiative in collaboration with the Army and paramilitary forces is underway to secure these remote areas.
Looking ahead, the Governor emphasized the importance of awareness, research, and documentation of indigenous knowledge systems, particularly in health, water management, and agriculture. He also advocated the urgency of preserving oral traditions to safeguard ancestral wisdom for future generations.
He highlighted the establishment of a Tribal Research Centre at RGU, and a second one upcoming
at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, as key steps in this direction.
The inaugural session was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the general secretary and global coordinator of Sewa International Shyam Parande, RK Mission Hospital Secretary Swami Vedasarananda, acting Vice-Chancellor of Indian Institute of Public Health, Prof Anil Kaul, Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) president Dr Emi Rumi, and RIWATCH Executive Director Vijay Swami.
Delegates from across the Himalayan states and institutions from across India are participating in the event.
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