Shillong’s Economic Survey has raised alarming concerns regarding the deteriorating water security in Meghalaya, noting that nearly half of the state’s natural springs are either drying up or experiencing significant declines in water discharge. Despite its reputation as India’s rainiest state, Meghalaya faces increasing water scarcity due to anthropogenic pressures and climate change, as highlighted by the report presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The state’s Soil & Water Conservation Department recently mapped over 55,000 identified spring sheds, revealing that 792 are critically endangered, with many completely dried up and some beyond recovery, notwithstanding the investment of ₹8,000 crore in water-related projects. These spring sheds are essential for water supply systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission, particularly for Shillong. In response to the crisis, the state government has formed a Climate Council, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, to coordinate efforts across departments. The Survey also documented several community-centric adaptation strategies, such as the Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas in Meghalaya (MegARISE), the Spring Mapping Initiative, and a Climate-Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project.
The MegARISE project focuses on improving water security through watershed treatment, forest restoration, and community involvement, aiming to establish plantations over 8,430 hectares and protect the Umiew and Ganol catchments. Advanced GIS mapping supports timely interventions by detailing over 55,000 springs. Additionally, over 500 community-based water-harvesting projects are being executed to enhance climate-resilient water management.
The drying springs have been attributed to factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, unscientific mining practices, and changes in land use due to infrastructure development, all of which diminish the land’s natural capacity to absorb rainwater. Erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and prolonged dry winters further challenge groundwater recharge, compounded by traditional jhum cultivation in Garo Hills, rapid population growth, and urbanization.
To mitigate the water crisis, the state is promoting various spring-shed management practices, including artificial groundwater recharge, construction of contour trenches, staggered pits, check dams, and water-harvesting structures. Large-scale afforestation and agroforestry initiatives using indigenous species are being encouraged to enhance vegetative cover and improve rainwater percolation. The Survey emphasizes that these combined efforts are critical not only for securing water resources but also for bolstering community resilience to climate change in Meghalaya.