Economic Survey recognises Meghalaya’s community-driven water strategy: CM Conrad Sangma

Meghalaya’s community-led approach to climate adaptation and water security has been recognised in the Economic Survey 2025–26, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on January 30, amid growing concerns over drying springs and declining water discharge in the state.
The chief minister said the Economic Survey, tabled in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted Meghalaya’s ecosystem-based and community-centric strategies to address water security challenges.
“With initiatives like MegARISE, spring mapping, and community-based water harvesting, the state is protecting critical catchments, restoring forests, and empowering local communities to adapt to climate change, strengthening water security for generations to come,” Sangma said in a post on X, adding, “When communities lead the way, great things are possible.”
Meghalaya is witnessing increasing stress on its water resources, with nearly half of the state’s springs either having dried up or showing a significant reduction in water discharge. To address this, the state has adopted a community-centric climate adaptation strategy through multiple flagship initiatives.
These include the Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas in Meghalaya (MegARISE), the Spring Mapping Initiative, and the Climate-Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project.
Under the MegARISE project, critical catchment areas are being protected through sustainable forest management, watershed treatment, forest restoration, and participatory community involvement. The project envisages plantation activities across 8,430 hectares and the treatment and protection of two major catchments — Umiew and Ganol.
The Spring Mapping Initiative has leveraged Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map over 55,000 springs across the state, enabling timely corrective measures for the conservation and revival of water sources.
In addition, more than 500 community-based water harvesting projects are being implemented to promote climate-resilient water management at the grassroots level.
“These initiatives aim not only to secure water resources but also to empower communities to adapt effectively to climate change,” Sangma said, adding that community participation has been central to the success of the state’s water security efforts.