Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday launched an externally aided initiative “Climate Adaptive Community Based Water Harvesting Project” at State Convention Centre, Shillong in presence of Health Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh and Soil and Water Conservation Minister Marcuise N. Marak
The Rs. 21 crore project aims to build 532 water harvesting structures and reservoirs, covering 350 hectares of pondage area, 2500 hectares of common area, and 12500 hectares of catchment area.
The implementation of the project would ensure water security for communities and enhance agricultural practices. It will benefit 72,000 residents, including catchment area treatment and livelihood development.
Stating that Meghalaya’s model to conserve water through a holistic approach has been appreciated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, the Chief Minister said, “Meghalaya is one of the first State in the country that is working on multiple fronts to conserve water resources. The PHE, Water Resource and Soil and Water Conservation Department are working in tandem on multiple projects, which clubbed together is close to about Rs. 8000 crores”.
He said that there are several projects which are currently being implemented and more such projects are coming up which are aimed to conserve, replenish and protect water resources and rejuvenation of catchment areas.
Talking on concerns of climate change, he said that the State has to be prepared and interventions are being made to minimise the impact.
He also informed that next week the foundation for the biggest water supply project will be laid in New Shillong township amounting to Rs. 1600 crores. “We have conceptualised this project in such a way that Shillong, New Shillong, administrative and the knowledge city will receive adequate water supply for next 30-40 years”, he added.
The first phase of the project comprises of construction of reservoirs amounting to Rs. 600 crores. “We believe in working with the community and our biggest strengthen is our community. We are involving the community in every interventions we take for furthering the progress and development of the State,” he said.
He said that in today’s programme 36 villages have been identified for conservation of reservoirs and an amount of Rs. 7 crores is being released to them for the implementation of the project.