Shillong, Sept 9: The city faces shortage of drinking water.
The matter came up during the Question Hour on Tuesday in Assembly.
In reply to a question by Brightstarwell Marbaniang(VPP-Mawlai), PHE Minister Marcuise Marak said the deficit of drinking water in Shillong is 1,40,50,000 litres.
The total amount of drinking water needed daily in Shillong city, including areas not covered under the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (Phase I & II), is 5,58,30,000 litres. The total amount of drinking water available in Shillong is 4,17,80,000 litres.
Mawlai gets 64,75,000 litres of drinking water while deficit or shortage of drinking water is 27,75,000 litres (2.78 million litres daily).
“With respect to Mawlai, a scheme under JJM namely Umshillong, Lummawnei, Umthlong, Mawiong & B1-13 WSS is ongoing and a number of schemes is under process,” Marak added.
Marak announced that the much awaited Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS – III) will be completed by March next year.
“In Shillong city, the gap is expected to reduce on completion of GSWSS (Phase-III),” he said.
Later, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the state government is working on new Shillong water supply scheme, for which Rs 700 crore has been sanctioned.
“The new Shillong water supply is in its advanced stage and we hope it will further provide relief to water supply in Shillong and adjoining areas,” Conrad said.
The chief minister mentioned that the Wahrynthem water project, which will add 33 million liters of water per day, is being planned, with the Umngot river at Dawki being considered as a source. This project is expected to provide relief to the water supply situation in the region.
Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma raised concerns about the sustainability of water sources, given the erratic weather patterns and climate change.
In reply, the chief minister highlighted the state’s efforts to address these challenges through externally aided projects (EAPs) focused on natural resource management, rejuvenation of springs, and catchment area protection.
The chief minister also emphasised the importance of the Meghalaya Climate Council, which is chaired by him and includes all relevant departments.
“The council is guided by the state’s water policy, adopted in 2019. We were the first state to adopt the water policy,” the chief minister said.
He added that the government is working to ensure the sustainability of water sources, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges.
The chief minister also spoke about the difficulties faced by farmers and the state due to the 50% deficiency in rainfall this year. Despite the challenges, the government is actively implementing projects to tap different water sources and address the water supply situation in the state, he said.
