The state government has identified 36 villages to implement the Climate Adaptive Community Based Water Harvesting project.
The project which is an externally aided initiative was launched by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma yesterday.
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, the Chief Minister’s office in a statement said.
Speaking at the launch, Sangma said an amount of Rs 7 crore is being released to the identified villages for the implementation of the project. He said the first phase of the project comprises of construction of reservoirs amounting to Rs. 600 crore.
Stating that Meghalaya’s model to conserve water through a holistic approach has been appreciated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti he said, “Meghalaya is one of the first states 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 crore”.
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 informed that the foundation for the biggest water supply project will be laid in New Shillong township next week amounting to Rs. 1600 crore. “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.
