The Meghalaya government has proposed a revised estimate of Rs 772.96 crore for the New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme, marking a significant increase from the originally sanctioned Rs 538.44 crore. This 43.55 percent hike, amounting to an additional Rs 234.52 crore, is attributed to essential design modifications and infrastructure changes necessitated by environmental and technical challenges.
A primary driver for the cost escalation is the strategic relocation of the dam site. Originally planned near Nonghali village, the dam was moved further upstream after it was discovered that a landfill had been proposed in the vicinity. This shift was mandatory to avoid long-term environmental risks and ensure the safety of the potable water supply. The relocation has substantially altered the project’s engineering requirements; the span of the dam has increased from 70 meters to 165 meters, and the number of radial gates has tripled to manage hydraulic flow.
In addition to structural changes, the revised proposal accounts for several previously unforeseen expenditures. These include the stabilization of slopes for the relocated jackwell, mandatory independent power infrastructure to guarantee an uninterrupted water supply, and road restoration costs for segments dismantled during pipeline laying. Furthermore, the budget now includes provisions for land compensation demanded by local Dorbar Shnongs for raw water pipeline routes—a requirement that was not present during the initial planning phase.
The New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme is a critical project designed to serve the New Shillong Township, Mawkhanu Knowledge City, and 32 adjacent villages, with a projected population coverage extending to the year 2057. State officials emphasized that the revised estimate is vital to ensuring structural safety, maintaining community cooperation, and securing a reliable water supply for the region’s long-term growth.