Shillong, Sept 9: The state government has sanctioned Rs 700 crore for a new Shillong water supply scheme, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed the Assembly on Tuesday.
In reply to a question from Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma, the Chief Minister said, “The new Shillong water supply is in its advance stage and we hope it will further provide relief to water supply in Shillong and adjoining areas.
He mentioned that the Wahrynthem water project, which will add 33 million liters of water per day, is being planned and Umngot river is being considered as a source.
In response to Mukul Sangma’s concern over sustainability of water sources, given the erratic weather patterns and climate change, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s efforts to address these challenges through externally aided projects (EAPs).
These projects are focused on natural resource management, rejuvenation of springs, and catchment area protection, he said.
The chief minister also emphasized 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,” Sangma said while adding that the government is working to ensure the sustainability of water sources, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges.
The chief minister also stated the difficulties faced by farmers and the state due to the 50% deficiency in rainfall this year. Despite these challenges, the government is actively implementing projects to tap different water sources and address the water supply situation in the state, he stated.
Earlier in his reply on the issue, Minister in-charge Public Health Engineering (PHE) Marcuise N 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.
He said the total amount of drinking water needed daily in Shillong city including areas not covered under the Greater Water Supply Scheme (Phase I & II) is 5.58 crore litres. The total amount of drinking water in Shillong is 4.19 crore litres.
The deficit of drinking water in Shillong is 1.41 crore litres.
With regard to Mawlai, Marak said the 64.75 lakh litres of drinking water is being supplied daily while deficit or shortages of drinking water is 27.75 lakh 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 are under process,” he added.
