By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 21: A new study on water governance in Shillong, published in the journal of the World Water Council, reveals that the dorbar shnongs or traditional village councils, along with the clan system, play a decisive role in the management and distribution of water across the city.
The study by Bankerlang Kharmylliem and Ngamjahao Kipgen, however, highlights the stark differences in how the clans access water, from communal sharing to outright commercialisation.
In localities like Nongrah and Nongkhyriem, clan control over water sources such as springs and bore wells has led to two contrasting models.
The Pyngrope clan in Nongrah operates on a commercial basis, selling water to the households. “They leverage their extensive land holdings and numerous water sources… to sell water at premium rates,” the study notes, raising concerns about equity in water access.
In contrast, the Khyriem clan in Nongkhyriem follows a more community-oriented approach. “Despite their dominant status… they share water freely with the entire community,” with minimal distribution charges managed by the local council. This system also includes unemployed youths in distribution, showing a model of solidarity and reciprocity.
The study points out that water has become commodified in many parts of Shillong due to gaps in public supply and a rise in private water vendors. Most of this water is sourced from underground wells owned by private individuals or clans. In areas like Demthring and Mawlai Mawdatbaki, this has led to unregulated extraction.
The study says that “groundwater remains unregulated and open to access,” with bore well owners having unchecked rights to overextraction. The lack of clear regulation has led to overextraction, especially in commercial zones, threatening Shillong’s water security.
Although village councils have attempted to regulate bore well drilling, enforcement remains weak. The study finds that some councils have banned new bore wells, but hundreds were drilled before restrictions were enforced.
The report concludes that for equitable and sustainable water governance, a combination of top-down regulation and strong local institutions is essential. “Strengthening the village councils’ role in groundwater management could help reduce the recurrent inequitable distribution of water in Shillong,” the study asserts.
The study’s key findings include the contrasting water governance approaches among Shillong’s traditional institutions. The Pyngrope clan’s market-driven approach has led to access inequities, while the Khyriem clan’s communal resource-sharing system promotes equity and solidarity.
Groundwater management is a critical concern, as unregulated extraction leads to overuse and uneven access. This pattern aligns with challenges faced by other rapidly urbanising South Asian cities. The village councils of Lawsohtun and Nongkhyriem demonstrate effective water management through transparent rules, inclusive decision-making, and strong enforcement.
However, other councils show declining effectiveness due to eroding social capital and urbanisation pressures.
Social power structures significantly influence water access. Disparities in control among traditional institutions, formal authorities, and private actors shape water distribution across localities.
As Meghalaya’s urbanisation continues to increase, with projections reaching 21.3% by 2036 (NIUA 2022), village councils have emerged as potential institutions for resource management in urban environments. The study says it is crucial to examine how these councils adapt to urban settings, approach decision-making, and resolve issues.