CM vague on deadline for DPR on flood mitigation infra

Shillong, Mar 4: A detailed project report (DPR) to mitigate floods in parts of the Garo Hills region is being prepared. However, as always, the state government could not give a timeframe for the report’s completion.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma — while replying to a starred question on the infrastructure projects to mitigate flooding during the Budget Session 2025 on Tuesday — said it was not possible to provide a deadline.

Replying to Rupa Marak’s supplementary question, the chief minister said three entities — the Brahmaputra Board, the Meghalaya government and the Centre — are responsible for preparing the DPR.

READ: Costly festivals on, but CM seeks funds for GH flood

The involvement of multiple agencies is leading to more time. So, it is not possible to provide a timeline, the chief minister replied.

“We will push so that the DPR is ready at the earliest and work can be started at the earliest,” he added.

The DPR is to protect the river bank from Patakata to Bhaitbari in Phulbari town from erosion by the river Brahmaputra and Jingjiram in West Garo Hills district.

Govt measures for flood mitigation

Sangma said the PWD (Roads) takes up frequent restoration of the damaged portions. The government has conducted assessments of the socio-economic impact of recurrent floods on the local communities.

Climate change has led to heavy precipitation in the state, especially in the plains region of Garo Hills. According to a study (

), “… extreme precipitation events are predicted to become more intense and prolonged due to climate change. This could increase the risk of landslides and increase their likelihood, as well as their potential for damage and fatalities (Davenport et al., 2021; Singh et al., 2013; Handwerger et al., 2019, 2021, 2022). This emphasises the need of understanding the intricate interactions among precipitation, climate change, and landslide hazards and of creating practical plans for adaptation and mitigation of landslide risk.”

Referring to the landslides of 2022 in the South West Khasi Hills, the study emphasised the need for comprehensive measures.

On Tuesday, the chief minister said the state has programmes to rebuild and improve infrastructure, such as roads and bridges damaged by floods.

Long-term plan

Highlighting the long-term plans to address climate change impacts, Sangma said flood plain zoning and an early warning system are the programmes in the pipeline.

The construction of reservoirs at upper reaches with flood moderation is also one of the important components to tackle floods in the vulnerable areas.

“(The) Meghalaya State Action Plan on Climate Change is being prepared by the Meghalaya Climate Change Centre,” he added.