CM launches water harvesting project in North Garo Hills

Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday launched a climate-adaptive-community-based Water Harvesting Project, externally funded by Asian Development Bank under the soil and water conservation department, at Mendipathar College Cricket Ground, North Garo Hills district, with an aim to enhance water security and increase community climate resilience in the state.

"This project amounting to $62.5 million (Rs 516 crore) aims to create 10 million cubic meters of water storage, protect 12,500 hectares of catchment areas, and transform about 3,297 hectares of command area to provide reliable irrigation areas for farmers," a statement issued by the soil and water conservation department said.

"The project aims to establish 50 weather stations for climate data gathering and monitoring and micro-irrigation systems in all 12 districts of the State. The project will support the construction of 533 water harvesting facilities across all districts. These facilities will incorporate climate-resilient designs to capture and manage heavy rainfall and flash floods during monsoon season," the statement said, adding that the CM, along with senior officials, visited remote areas of North Garo Hills to better understand the situation and connect with citizens at grassroots level.

The project aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019, which seeks to achieve sustainable development, management, and utilisation of the state's water resources through a participatory approach, reduce vulnerability, and promote integrated water resource management.