SLM project to protect vulnerable catchments
Shillong, Oct 2: With a fast-depleting forest cover and catchment areas under severe threat from destruction due to widespread human activity, Meghalaya Government has launched a special project to not only protect but even reverse the damage being caused to the eco system.
In a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday formally inaugurated the Sustainable Land Management Meghalaya (SLM) Project and unveiled the Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas initiative, known as MegARISE, for the Umiew Catchment.
Sangma called for laying emphasis on the need for sustainable land management practices, highlighting Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The ceremony, held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, was organized by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), in collaboration with Germany’s KfW Development Bank.
He said the collaborative projects, co-funded by KfW Development Bank and the Government of Meghalaya, are part of a long-term strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and support local communities.
He praised the projects for their careful planning and preparation over the last six years and stressed that they would play a key role in meeting the state’s economic growth targets while safeguarding the environment.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for Meghalaya to grow its economy by 12% annually, aiming for a $10 billion economy by 2028, while addressing the challenges posed by coal mining and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring responsible and sustainable development.
The launch, attended by around 400 people, including farmers, community members, and government officials, marked the beginning of two externally aided projects (EAPs) aimed at empowering local communities, improving agricultural productivity, and fostering sustainable natural resource management.
Agriculture Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh spoke passionately about the importance of organic farming, encouraging farmers to embrace sustainable practices without abandoning their traditional methods.
Speaking in Khasi, she expressed her pride in the achievements of local farmers and highlighted the role of the Externally Aided Projects( EAP) in improving livelihoods for future generations.
Chief Secretary Donald Phillips Wahlang, reflected on the state’s financial challenges, particularly since the 2015 coal mining ban, and commended the innovative efforts of the government to secure development funding through EAPs. He highlighted Meghalaya’s success in having the highest number of EAPs in the country.
Dr. Florian Wieneke, Senior Portfolio Manager at KfW Development Bank, praised the projects for aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the achievement of the BRDC’s accreditation as an Organic Certification Body, making Meghalaya the second state after Sikkim to achieve this distinction.
The programme also featured firsthand accounts from farmers who have benefited from the SLM and MegARISE projects, showcasing the positive impact of these initiatives on local farming practices.
The SLM project aims to promote agroecological and natural/organic agricultural practices among Meghalaya’s farmers, while MegARISE focuses on protecting vulnerable catchment areas, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
