By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 2: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurated the Sustainable Land Management Meghalaya Project (SLM) and unveiled the Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas in Meghalaya (MegARISE) for Umiew catchment at a ceremony held at the State Convention Centre on Tuesday.
The event, organised by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), marked the launch of two crucial initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable land and water management in the state. The projects are co-funded by Germany’s KFW Development Bank and the state government.
Speaking at the event, Sangma reflected on the significance of these projects. “This project has been in the making for almost five to six years, and a lot of work has gone into reaching where we are today. I’m confident this initiative will succeed because of the hard work behind the scenes,” he said.
Sangma further highlighted the importance of inclusive development, stressing that the state’s goal is to grow sustainably while involving communities. He added, “This isn’t just about economic growth; it’s about responsible growth that ensures our environment, farmers, and communities are taken care of. Today’s launch is a testament to that commitment.”
SLM aims to promote agroecological practices and link farmers with profitable markets while addressing certification challenges. On the other hand, MegARISE targets water security in the Umiew and Ganol catchments through participatory planning and community-driven forest management, both critical for the water supply in Shillong and Tura. The primary areas of focus are the Umiew catchment, securing water supply for Shillong, and the Ganol catchment, securing water supply for Tura. The project addresses unsustainable catchment management practices, aiming to improve water security and livelihoods through scientific participatory approaches and community forest management.
The event also saw the participation of Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Dr Florian Wieneke from KFW Development Bank, Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, and other senior officials. Beneficiaries from various communities across Meghalaya were also in attendance.
