Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme
Tura, Jan 27: What the Hoover Dam did to the United States over the Colorado river in 1935- providing water and power to the dry states of Nevada and Arizona, the Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is aiming to follow a similar path, ensuring adequate portable drinking water to the rising population of Meghalaya’s second largest town, Tura.
Close to 2,75,000 people in Tura will be dependent on crucial water supply from the government by the year 2055.
And the Conrad K Sangma-government has taken the challenge head on to ensure the burgeoning town’s population is not left at a disadvantage- particularly when the new world order and wars of the future will centre on natural resources- primarily drinking water.
A mammoth water project, dubbed the Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme, was launched with much fanfare in Tura on Monday by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma- that aims to address the burning issue of water shortage.
“With a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you today to speak on an issue that touches every single life in our state – the critical need for access to safe, clean, and reliable water. Water is not just a resource; it is a fundamental pillar for human well-being, supporting activities from household chores to agriculture, economic development, and, most importantly, public health. Access to safe and adequate water offers significant benefits, including improving public health, increasing school attendance, enhancing economic opportunities, and preserving human dignity,” said Sangma while launching this mega water project for the people of Tura.
He strongly believes this ambitious project will address the water shortages faced by the town of Tura. With an estimated cost of Rs 398.48 crore, the scheme is designed to provide Tura with a dependable and sustainable water supply. It is set to be completed in three years, subject to the availability of resources.
“In the heart of our beautiful West Garo Hills, Tura – our district headquarters – is experiencing such growth. With a population of over 106,000 and projections estimating growth to 166,000 by 2040 and nearly 270,000 by 2055, Tura is facing rising water demand. This growing population is putting significant strain on our current water supply infrastructure, and it is clear that we need a sustainable, reliable solution to meet this challenge,” pointed out Sangma.
The Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme will include the construction of a new storage dam, two-stage pumping stations, a water treatment plant, feeder mains, zonal reservoirs, and advanced distribution networks.
“By utilizing the consistent dry-weather discharge from the Ganol River, we will ensure a reliable supply of clean water, capable of meeting the growing demand. The goal is to provide 135 liters of water per capita per day, factoring in wastage, institutional needs, and floating populations,” assured the chief minister.
“This scheme is a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents of Tura. By investing in this vital infrastructure, we are not only addressing an immediate need but also laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and development,” he added.
Despite the existing Three Phase Water System in Town, parts of Tura have continued to experience dry scenarios for most parts of the year, and the Meghalaya Government wants to eradicate this burning problem. The new project aims to be functional within a three year period.
The newly launched Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme happens to be one of the most ambitious water resources projects of the government ever to hit Tura and its adjoining constituencies.The scheme has been designed to ensure adequate coverage blankets all the newly created and expanded localities numbering 37 on the periphery of the Municipal area of Tura.
Tura has witnessed rapid growth in the last two decades- population and expansion, but water and other development projects have seen little growth. Tura’s First Phase of water Supply from the Ganol River took off way back in the 1970s- with little growth, other than the 2nd phase. With climate change and deforestation, the first phase of water supply dried up during the dry season and the groundwater pumping reached a stagnation point, forcing state water officials to tap the Didare river for the gravitational 3rd phase Tura Scheme.
The PHE department will oversee the maintenance and operation of this scheme to ensure that it runs smoothly and minimizes disruptions. Once completed, the project will have a lasting impact on public health, support economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for Tura’s residents.
Key features of the scheme include the construction of zonal reservoirs with capacities ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 liters to distribute water efficiently across different areas of Tura. The Ganol River will serve as the primary water source, and the project will also include the construction of a 30 MLD-capacity water treatment plant, pumping mains, feeder systems, and a distribution network covering about 66 kilometers.
“The Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is not just an infrastructure project; it is a vision for a better, sustainable future for Tura. We understand that the successful implementation of this project will require the active participation and engagement of the local community. By involving residents in every step of the process, we aim to create a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering the people of Tura to take pride in their contributions to the development of their town,” said the chief minister.
Water Supply a Priority for NDA Govt
Ensuring a reliable water supply is critical, not just for public health, but also for economic productivity, clarified Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
“For this reason, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) in Meghalaya has made water supply a top priority. Through various State and Central Programs, such as AMRUT, AMRUT 2.0, NESIDS, NLCPR, and the State Plan, the department has been working diligently to implement projects that bring water to urban and rural areas alike. Under the AMRUT 2.0 initiative, which was launched by the Government of India in 2021, we are focusing on providing household tap connections across all 22 urban centers. In rural areas, we are leading the Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring that every rural household has a functional tap connection by March 2024, with a minimum supply of 55 liters of water per person per day,” said the chief minister.
He announced that as of January 2025, tap connections for 525,378 rural households have been successfully undertaken, achieving a coverage rate of 81.28%. to address long-standing water supply challenges in the region. Previous phases of the water supply project, which date back to 1970, were insufficient to meet the demands of a growing population, leading to water rationing and negative impacts on health and sanitation. The new scheme is designed to cater to a population of nearly 270,000 by 2055 and will ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for generations to come.
Key features of the scheme include the construction of zonal reservoirs with capacities ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 liters to distribute water efficiently across different areas of Tura. The Ganol River will serve as the primary water source, and the project will also include the construction of a 30 MLD-capacity water treatment plant, pumping mains, feeder systems, and a distribution network covering about 66 kilometers.
During the programme, the chief minister also handed out benefits to beneficiaries of CM Elevate and the Tourism Infrastructure Scheme.
