Enhancing Water Security in Meghalaya
The Government of India has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to sign a significant loan agreement aimed at improving water security in Meghalaya. This $50 million loan will fund the construction of water-harvesting systems. The initiative seeks to enhance access to water and reduce the vulnerability of communities against the impacts of climate change. This project is a crucial step towards sustainable water management in the region.
Loan Agreement Details
The loan agreement was signed by Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of India, and Ms. Mio Oka, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission. The project is officially named the Climate-Adaptative Community-Based Water-Harvesting Project. This collaboration reflects a commitment to addressing water scarcity and climate resilience in Meghalaya.
After the signing, Ms. Mukherjee emphasized that the project aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) of 2019. This policy aims to achieve sustainable development and effective management of the state’s water resources. It promotes a participatory approach to reduce vulnerability and enhance integrated water resource management. The partnership with ADB goes beyond financial support. It includes guidance on implementing the MSWP and integrating climate adaptation measures into water security plans.
Project Objectives and Implementation
The primary goal of the project is to develop a comprehensive water-harvesting system across Meghalaya. This will include creating a state-wide master plan that considers micro catchment areas and disaster risk management. The plan will guide the development of water security strategies at the village level. Local governance bodies such as village employment councils, watershed management committees, and water users’ associations will manage these strategies.
The project will construct 532 small water-storage facilities across 12 districts. These facilities will feature climate-resilient designs to effectively capture and manage heavy rainfall and flash floods during the monsoon season. The stored water will significantly improve water security during the dry season. Additionally, the project aims to develop 3,000 hectares of command area for reliable irrigation, benefiting local farmers. It will also establish 50 weather stations for climate data collection and monitoring, alongside implementing micro-irrigation systems in the Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions.
Capacity Building and Community Involvement
A vital aspect of this project is capacity building within local agencies. ADB will assist in strengthening the Meghalaya State Watershed and Wasteland Development Agency and the Soil and Water Conservation Department. This support will enhance their capabilities in water management and operations. Furthermore, the project will focus on training farmers, particularly women, to boost productivity in irrigated agriculture. This training will cover horticulture and fishery techniques, empowering local communities and improving livelihoods.
ADB’s commitment extends beyond this project. The organization aims to foster a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. Since its establishment in 1966, ADB has worked tirelessly to eradicate extreme poverty and improve living standards across the region. This partnership with the Government of India marks another step toward achieving these goals, particularly in vulnerable areas like Meghalaya.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.