Kohima, Sept. 8: The department of geology and mining today conducted a seminar on artificial recharge to groundwater through rainwater harvesting, in Dimapur.

Regional director, Central Ground Water Board for Northeast region, G.C. Saha, said groundwater extraction was very high in different states in India, reducing density of water which posed a threat to human survival.

“This hidden resource stored beneath the ground through fractures, joints and other geo-structures in rock formations should be protected and managed scientifically,” he said.

Director, geology and mining, H.K Chishi, said the department was organising the seminar to provide technical inputs to officers from various departments for effective and result-oriented artificial recharge of ground water.

He said the state government through a notification had recently declared the department of geology and mining as a nodal department for effective management of groundwater resources in the state by enforcing suitable regulations relating to extraction of groundwater.

He said the department would coordinate with all sister departments in the state for judicious development and management of groundwater resources in the state, including its regulations, controlling and monitoring.

Additional director E. Kikon said over the years, there had been sustained efforts for development of groundwater resources.

In certain high-demand areas, Kikon said ground water availability has reached a critical stage, with demand outstripping supply.

He said deterioration of ground water quality would seriously affect economy.