A ₹700-crore project to solve Shillong's water crisis

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has informed the Assembly that the ₹700-crore Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase-III is in its final stages and is expected to be completed by March next year.

The project is designed to significantly reduce Shillong’s daily water shortfall of 1.40 crore litres. The city currently needs 5.58 crore litres per day but receives only 4.17 crore litres. Areas such as Mawlai are among the worst affected, with a demand of 92.5 lakh litres and a supply of just 64.7 lakh litres.

To supplement the GSWSS, the Wahrynthem scheme will contribute an additional 33 million litres per day, drawing water from the Umngot River near Dawki.

While the project offers long-term solutions, concerns were raised about its sustainability amid challenges like deforestation, erratic rainfall, and climate change. In response, CM Sangma highlighted initiatives such as spring rejuvenation, catchment area protection, and strategic oversight from the Meghalaya Climate Council, in line with the state’s 2019 Water Policy, to ensure water security in the years ahead.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.