Northeast Desk, 1st October: The Meghalaya government has launched the MegARISE initiative to tackle the vulnerability of the Umiew Catchment, a vital water source for Shillong. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the project will be implemented with a financial outlay of ₹344 crore in partnership with KfW German Development Bank.
The MegARISE initiative aims to improve water availability and security through scientifically-driven, participatory strategies focused on catchment protection and community forest management. This project represents a significant investment in water supply infrastructure, prioritizing long-term water security and the conservation of vulnerable catchments in the Umiew and Ganol areas, benefiting the cities of Shillong and Tura, respectively.
In a post on the microblogging site X, Chief Minister Sangma emphasized that MegARISE will facilitate ecological restoration and ensure long-term sustainability of the region’s water resources.
In conjunction with this initiative, the Meghalaya government also launched the Sustainable Land Management Meghalaya Project, which seeks to enhance sustainability and organic farming practices in the state. CM Sangma noted that this project leverages traditional farming methods to create market connections for farmers, supporting their livelihoods and promoting environmental stewardship.
Read More: Meghalaya Government Launches Sustainable Land Management Project to Enhance Organic Farming