Sunn deplores water scarcity in rural areas

SHILLONG: Mawphlang legislator SK Sunn has deplored that the state is much behind in terms of coverage of habitations with water supply.
Taking part in the discussion on the Budget in the Assembly on Wednesday, Sunn said that instead of providing statistics on number of schemes sanctioned, it would be meaningful to know the actual number of rural habitations in the state and the status of coverage of these habitations with water supply and the plan to cover them in the years to come.
“Water and sanitation are key aspects of human development. For poor people, access to water and sanitation is a pre-requisite to achieving a minimum standard of health and productive activities. Without adequate, safe and affordable water and sanitation, people across the state are unable to lead healthy lives and lack the ability to build secure livelihoods”, he said.
He said Hima Mawphlang and Laitkroh Elaka entered into an agreement with the government in 1978 and 1979 respectively in connection with implementation of Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme. In return for providing land free of cost for implementation of the project, which includes construction of dam, the government assured to provide them with water supply.
He reminded that the villages under Laitkroh Elaka and villages of Mawphlang, Mawgngap, Marbisu and neighbouring villages are experiencing acute water scarcity.
“Just very recently, I was invited to deliver a speech on the concluding day of the NSS organized by Shillong Law College at Marbisu and I was surprised that school children raised the placards that read “Cannot maintain cleanliness without water”
Sunn said though Mawphlang, Mawngap and Marbisu combined water supply scheme sanctioned in March 2017, the scheme could not be continued.
He also expressed concern over the influx of people and students from the rural areas into the state capital. The legislator also referred to the correction made by the Chief Minister regarding discontinuation of Mawphlang, Mawngap and Marbisu combined Water Supply Scheme. Sunn said the fact is that there was only reduced allocation and added that Meghalaya has been allocated Rs 52.43 crore for 2018-19 by the Centre and out of this Rs 49.15 crore has been released.