SHILLONG, Jan 20: In a significant move, the Meghalaya government and the Brahmaputra Board have joined hands to create a ‘River Master Plan’ for the state’s ten river sub-basins, in a bid to collect comprehensive data on water resources and provide recommendations for sustainable utilisation across key sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
The initiative was launched at a meeting held on January 17 at the Meghalaya Secretariat conference hall, led by Dr PS Ahammed, and Dr Ranbir Singh, IAS (R), Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board.
Speaking at the meeting, Singh hailed the initiative as “historic and vital” for Meghalaya’s economic development and livelihood improvement. “This is not just a plan but a roadmap for the future of Meghalaya, ensuring water resources are utilised effectively for generations to come,” Singh added.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Brahmaputra Board and the Department of Water Resources for an integrated water rejuvenation and development project in Shiliang Um, East Khasi Hills.
The event also witnessed the commitment of various departments to work collaboratively on this multisectoral effort, ensuring the plan is practical, implementable, and inclusive of all future priorities.
Officials expressed hope that this initiative will transform Meghalaya’s approach to water management, benefiting communities and fostering sustainable economic growth.
