World Water Day observed in Meghalaya

 SHILLONG: Chief Minister M Conrad Sangma attended the World Water Day event at Soso Tham Auditorium to mark the significance of the important day and also its importance in the parlance of water resource management for Meghalaya. Since the water sector projects require the integrated efforts of multiple departments, a detailed Plan of Action (POA) has been devised in this context: "Meghalaya Water Mission" for a holistic approach to water resource management in the state.

The Meghalaya government has initiated payment for ecosystem services (with funding support from KFW and the World Bank) to ensure sustainable continuity of water resources. Meghalaya's government is in the process of mapping over 7,000 springs in the state, and to ensure steady conservation of water, 1,000 small multipurpose reservoirs (SMRs) in all the districts of the state are being established with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Two villages in the West Garo Hills took second and third place in the best village panchayat category scheme (third National Water Awards) for conservation.

Other major water supply schemes like the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase III, Nongstoin Urban Water Supply Scheme, and Ampati Water Supply Scheme are at various stages of completion. The Baghmara Water Supply Scheme was completed and inaugurated. The William Nagar Water Supply Scheme has also been initiated.

While speaking at the event, CM said, "We are here to ensure that we manage, protect, and conserve water in the most efficient way possible. At the end of the day, we should ensure that we are able to provide enough and sufficient drinking water to the citizens of our state. Meghalaya has had a holistic plan to ensure that we protect our water bodies, catchment areas, rejuvenate our spring shells, rejuvenate groundwater, and create reservoirs. We have apportioned a substantial budget for water projects in the coming years to establish Meghalaya as a robust state in terms of water resources."

The event was also graced by two guests of Honours - Comingone Ymbon, Minister of Water Resource, and Marcuise N. Marak, Minister of Public Health Engineering, stated a press release.

Also Read: World Water Day Celebrated at ICAR Research Complex, Umiam

Also Watch: