Meghalaya faces water crisis after 85% rainfall deficit in October

Meghalaya is confronting a deepening water crisis after October recorded just 38.3 mm of rain, an 85 per cent deficit against the monthly normal of 255 mm, the Shillong Times reported on November 2. The shortfall follows a weak southwest monsoon that has left the hill state’s natural springs and community water supplies under severe stress.

Record low rainfall in October

The outlet noted that the 38.3 mm total for October represents an 85 per cent shortfall, classifying the month as “large deficient” according to the India Meteorological Department’s scale of 60-99 per cent deficit. This extreme deficit has amplified worries about the reliability of spring-fed sources that many villages depend on for drinking water.

Seasonal rainfall shortfalls

Between June and September the state received 1,077.1 mm of rain, far below the seasonal normal of 2,695.3 mm, resulting in a 60 per cent deficit. The gap widened as the season progressed, rising from a 9 per cent shortfall in July to 38 per cent in August, when rainfall measured 359.7 mm against the normal 581.6 mm. These figures illustrate a consistent pattern of below-normal precipitation throughout the monsoon period.

District-wide deficits

All 11 districts registered large deficits in October, ranging from 74 to 93 per cent. South West Garo Hills recorded the highest shortfall at 93 per cent, followed by East Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills at 92 per cent each. East Khasi Hills stood at 91 per cent, West Garo Hills at 86 per cent, and both South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills at 84 per cent. East Garo Hills reported an 81 per cent deficit, West Jaintia Hills 80 per cent, while Ri-Bhoi and South Garo Hills recorded the lowest deficits at 74 per cent each. The uniformity of these large deficits underscores the statewide nature of the water shortage.

Impact on water security and government response

The prolonged rainfall shortage has raised concerns over water security, especially the sustainability of natural springs that supply drinking water to several communities. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma acknowledged that many Jal Jeevan Mission projects are facing water-supply problems because of drying or declining sources, changing rainfall patterns and climatic conditions. He highlighted the need for immediate action to protect and restore water sources.

Spring-fed sources under stress

Meghalaya, being a hill state, relies heavily on spring-fed systems, which have shown signs of weakening during extended periods of below-normal rainfall. The Public Health Engineering Department has mapped around 55,000 springs across more than 70,000 springsheds and identified 785 critical sources for rejuvenation. Officials note that these spring-fed systems remain particularly vulnerable during extended dry periods, underscoring the need for sustained conservation measures and targeted rejuvenation efforts. (With agency inputs)