Depletion of water sources in state alarming: Marcuise

SHILLONG, Feb 19: Minister of Soil and Water Conservation, Marcuise N Marak on Wednesday highlighted the depletion of water sources in the state, which has led to a severe water and power crisis and prompted the authorities to initiate corrective measures.
He claimed these measures are making progress. “Meghalaya is currently facing a severe water and power crisis as highlighted by the alarming depletion of Umiam Lake, which has reached its lowest water level at 3,165 feet, just a foot above the threshold for shutting down the hydroelectric plant,” Marak said during the 2nd All India State Water Ministers’ Conference in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
He said that the drying up of the Mawphlang Dam prompted the Public Health Engineering Department to issue advisories to Shillong residents, warning of an impending water crisis.
Pointing out that in regions like Meghalaya, springs serve as a lifeline for humans and diverse ecosystems, he said springs form the primary water sources for our rivers and streams, sustaining life in our hills and valleys.
“Despite Meghalaya’s high rainfall, 80% of villages depend on springs for drinking water and irrigation. Yet, 50% of these springs have either dried up or seen a significant decline in discharge. This crisis is aggravated by environmentally unsound activities such as mining, unsustainable agriculture, and deforestation,” he said.
He further said that despite Meghalaya’s 76% forest cover, only 3% is classified as very dense forest, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.
Stating that these situations underscore the urgent need for sustainable water management and conservation efforts to mitigate the impact on both power generation and daily water supply, he said: “Meghalaya’s water security is increasingly under threat due to several pressing challenges. Climate change has disrupted rainfall patterns, leading to prolonged dry spells and affecting water availability.”
“Population growth and rapid urbanisation are driving up water demand, placing immense pressure on existing resources and infrastructure. Deforestation and land degradation have reduced water retention and groundwater recharge, resulting in increased surface run-off and erosion,” he said.  “Additionally, water pollution from industrial discharge and untreated sewage poses serious risks to human health and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring sustainable water resources for the future,” he added.
He stressed local participation in protecting and rejuvenating the springs, pointing out that Meghalaya is a Sixth Schedule state where community ownership of land is paramount and local participation is crucial.
Water pollution from industrial discharge and untreated sewage poses serious risks to both human health and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring sustainable water resources for the future, he said.
He informed the audience that the water resources department has identified 747 critical water sources in Meghalaya, including springs, conservation ponds, dugout ponds, and irrigation check dams — each vital for sustaining water supply, particularly in water-scarce areas.
Additionally, he said the state has mapped 55,915 springs, many of which are at risk due to over-extraction and environmental degradation.
“Surveys under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have confirmed that these 747 water sources are either drying up or experiencing reduced discharge rates. If left unaddressed, this could lead to a severe water crisis for our communities. Protecting and rejuvenating these critical water sources is essential to ensuring long-term water security and sustaining livelihoods across the state,” he said.
He said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is focused on key developmental priorities, particularly water security, which led to the introduction of the Meghalaya State Water Policy in 2019 before the launch of the JJM by the central government.
“Meghalaya became the first state in our nation to adopt a comprehensive water policy aimed at addressing various challenges related to water availability, quality, and its usage,” Marak said.
According to him, the ties between the Centre and the state have strengthened, resulting in significant progress through dedicated support and funding.
He also highlighted a few initiatives undertaken to address the crisis like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana PMKSY, ADB-funded watershed programme, Payment for Ecosystem Services, Meghalaya Resilience and Sustainable Ecosystem Project, and Springs Sustainability Project.