The Climate-Adaptative Community-Based Water Harvesting Project, backed by ADB, will see the construction of 532 climate-resilient water-storage facilities across Meghalaya’s 12 districts.
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have inked a $50 million loan agreement to construct climate-adaptive water-harvesting systems in Meghalaya. The ambitious project aims to address the state’s mounting water crisis, improve water security, and build resilience against climate change impacts, particularly for rural communities.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
A Strategic Response to Meghalaya’s Water Crisis
The Climate-Adaptative Community-Based Water Harvesting Project, backed by ADB, will see the construction of 532 climate-resilient water-storage facilities across Meghalaya’s 12 districts. Designed to manage monsoon floods and secure water during dry seasons, the project will also develop 3,000 hectares of reliable irrigation and implement micro-irrigation systems in the Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions to enhance water-use efficiency.
In a bid to integrate renewable energy, the initiative will pilot micro-hydropower systems in three water-harvesting setups, further underlining its climate-adaptive approach.
The project’s primary beneficiaries will be Meghalaya’s rural communities, where reliable access to water has long been a challenge. By securing water supplies, the initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, particularly for rabi season crops, and enhance drinking water access for rural households.
“The project will strengthen local institutions to manage climate-resilient water systems and develop innovative solutions to tackle challenges like rainfall variability and flash floods,” said a government official. “It will improve livelihoods by providing water for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes, enhancing economic resilience in vulnerable communities.”
Aligning with Meghalaya State Water Policy
The project aligns closely with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019, which emphasizes sustainable water resource management and a participatory approach to integrated water management. Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Juhi Mukherjee, highlighted its importance in reducing water scarcity and promoting long-term resource sustainability.
The Meghalaya government has committed an investment of over INR 510 crore to construct water-harvesting structures and reservoirs as part of this initiative, targeting enhanced water storage capacity by 2031.
ADB’s involvement goes beyond financing, offering technical expertise and guidance to ensure effective implementation of the MSWP. “ADB’s value addition will involve designing water-harvesting systems that integrate climate adaptation measures,” said Mio Oka, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission.
“These systems will support agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, and water supply, providing productive livelihoods and fostering economic development,” Oka added.
A Community-Driven Approach
The project adopts a participatory approach, involving local communities in the management and maintenance of water-harvesting systems. This grassroots engagement ensures the sustainability of the initiative while promoting universal access to water and improving water-based livelihoods.
By addressing acute water shortages during non-rainy seasons, the project aims to provide long-term resilience against climate challenges, enhancing both ecological and economic stability in Meghalaya.
The Climate-Adaptative Community-Based Water Harvesting Project is not just a response to Meghalaya’s water crisis but also a model for climate adaptation and sustainable resource management. With its integration of renewable energy, participatory governance, and alignment with state and national policies, the initiative showcases a comprehensive approach to tackling water scarcity and climate resilience.
Lead image courtesy of ADB
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