Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed the Assembly today that a study was conducted on 55,000 of the 70,000 springs across the state, revealing that 792 are in a critical phase.
These springs play a crucial role in supplying water under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Responding to a question raised by Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran, Sangma stated that technological mapping of these springs had helped identify the problem, leading to a Rs 33 crore project by the Soil Conservation Department to rejuvenate 67 of these critically endangered springs on a war footing. A study on the remaining 15,000 springs will be undertaken soon, given their remote and difficult-to-access locations.
Following the severe water scarcity Shillong faced in 2024, water crisis and rejuvenation emerged as a key focus during the Assembly Budget Session. The government disclosed that 1,601 springsheds had been constructed in the past five years, with Rs 46.62 crore sanctioned under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Various Village Employment Councils (VECs) have been responsible for implementing these projects under the Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Department.
Sangma highlighted that 70,000 springs have been identified across Meghalaya, with 55,000 already mapped using technology. The state has undertaken extensive monitoring of these springsheds, and apart from government schemes, the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is implementing multiple projects for rejuvenation. Kharpran sought details on success stories, to which Sangma responded that the 1,601 rejuvenated springsheds stand as testament to the positive impact of these efforts. While individual projects may be small, they collectively contribute significantly to spring rejuvenation.
He also emphasized the role of VECs and local communities in maintaining these projects, as they are community-owned. To ensure sustainability, trained village volunteers—Village Community Facilitators (VCFs)—monitor water levels and provide timely updates to the authorities, enabling appropriate interventions. Using satellite and radar-based technology, the government can track water levels in springs more efficiently.
Addressing concerns about interdepartmental coordination, Sangma acknowledged that multiple departments—including PHE, Soil Conservation, Forest, Water Resources, Agriculture, Mining, and Fisheries—have been working in isolation. He stressed that a lack of collaboration in the past had resulted in inefficient resource utilization. The Chief Minister highlighted an instance where PHE identified 792 springs as endangered, but only 15 of these had been covered under the Soil Conservation Department’s rejuvenation efforts. Had these departments coordinated earlier, resources could have been better utilized.
Recognizing the need for a holistic approach, Meghalaya has implemented a state water policy, making it one of the few states in India to do so. Under this policy, a Climate Council, chaired by the Chief Minister, has been established to ensure interdepartmental coordination, avoid duplication of efforts, and optimize resource allocation. At present, the state has over Rs 4,000 crore worth of water-related projects in progress, and with an integrated strategy in place, these initiatives are expected to have a greater impact.
MLA Ollan Singh Suin raised concerns about whether VECs were adequately trained to measure water discharge and assess the effectiveness of projects. Sangma assured that while over 7,000 VECs exist, training efforts are ongoing. Additionally, village volunteers, equipped with technical know-how, assist VECs in measuring water discharge, soil impact, and other critical factors.
VPP MLA Ardent Basiawmoit questioned the potential impact of the upcoming ropeway project on springs originating from Lum Shillong. Sangma clarified that a detailed mapping of the project’s locations had been conducted in collaboration with the Soil Conservation, Forest, and Environment Departments, as well as international agencies, to ensure water sources remain unaffected. He further noted that while minor tree-cutting had been required, efforts were made to trim rather than cut down trees, aligning the project with forest fire prevention measures.
Basiawmoit expressed concerns that allowing non-forest activities in areas like Lum Shillong contradicts the government’s goal of protecting springs. He argued that such areas should be designated as catchment zones rather than being developed for tourism infrastructure. In response, Sangma assured the House that ecological concerns were taken into account and that sustainable development remained a priority.
Joining the discussion, MLA Adelbert Nongrum, also of the VPP, questioned why citizens still had to purchase water despite significant government investments in water-related projects. Sangma responded by stating that Meghalaya receives approximately 63 billion cubic meters of water, with nearly 30 billion flowing to Bangladesh and another 30 billion to Assam. He reiterated that the state does not face a water shortage; rather, the main challenges lie in storage, water flow regulation and distribution.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma intervened in the 40th minute, raising a rule of order under Rule 300 in relation to Rule 37, Sub-Rule 22. He emphasised the need for a more exhaustive discussion on this crucial issue while ensuring that Question Hour adhered to established rules and procedures.
