New Delhi, May 19 : Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Tuesday reviewed the expanding role in externally funded projects, including studies on sustainable irrigation development in Assam, economic impacts of Brahmaputra water diversion, and water management practices in North East India.

Speaking at the 6th Meeting of the Governing Body of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM), an institute under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Paatil emphasised the importance of scientific water management.

He also shed light on capacity-building and greater state engagement to address emerging challenges in the North Eastern Region, according to an official statement.

He reaffirmed the Ministryâ??s commitment to strengthening NERIWALMâ??s role as a centre of excellence in water and land management.

A major agenda item included the proposal to establish an Irrigation Field Laboratory and Demonstration Farm to enhance research, field demonstrations, and the dissemination of irrigation technologies in the region.

The Governing Body also discussed recommendations on scholarship support for M.Tech. and Ph.D. students, faculty development, strengthening research capabilities, and advancing studies in climate- and GIS-based applications in water resources management.

Further, the meeting reviewed findings of a significant study on livelihood challenges faced by erosion-affected families in the Brahmaputra Valley and deliberated on sustainable rehabilitation and livelihood interventions for displaced communities.

The Governing Body reviewed the instituteâ??s achievements, approved key institutional matters, and deliberated on future strategies to strengthen water and land management in the North Eastern Region.

The Governing Body approved the Annual Report and Audited Accounts for FY 2024â??25 and appreciated NERIWALMâ??s continued progress in capacity building, research, and academic activities.

During the year, NERIWALM exceeded its training targets by organising 71 training programmes benefitting more than 2,800 participants, while continuing its specialised MTech and PhD programmes in Water Resource Management.

/IANS