Shillong, Sept 25: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has directed immediate activation of District Climate Adaptation and Resilience Task Forces and said November to March will be critical for Meghalaya in view of El Niño.
Chairing the State Council on Climate Change meeting on Friday, Sangma called for strengthening grassroots IEC to make communities aware of risks and response, involving public representatives, and strong monitoring at district, block and village levels.
He said focus must be on drinking water preparedness if rainfall remains below normal and appreciated departments for meticulous work.
While pre-monsoon was near normal, the CM said climate risk and vulnerability mapping has been undertaken across districts. The meeting also discussed inter-departmental convergence, proposal for Block-Level Climate Action Teams, rejuvenation of springs and water sources, and expansion of plantations including agroforestry and terrace plantations in vulnerable catchments.
Scaling up natural farming through farmer-to-farmer training and tackling ginger soft rot were also discussed.
“El Niño is a reality, but its impacts are difficult to predict. Our approach must be preparedness and adaptation with clear plans and SOPs,” Sangma said.
