Shillong, Jan 30: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Mawrah Multi-Purpose Water Reservoir on Tuesday at a function held at Mawrah in the presence of Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak, and MLA Gavin Mylliem.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Minister said that conservation of water bodies and the creation of reservoirs are on the agenda of the government.

“We will be investing approximately Rs. 400 crores in the next three years in creating reservoirs across the state,” he said.

He said that Meghalaya currently retains a meagre 4-5% of rainwater, with the remainder flowing to neighbouring states and countries, and that the creation of reservoirs is the primary solution to retaining rainwater within the state.

The Chief Minister also said that the Mawrah Multi-Purpose Water Reservoir would also serve as a multi-purpose project promoting tourism, aquaculture, and farming.

Inaugurated the Mawrah Multipurpose Water Reservoir under the Sohra Civil Subdivision. In just 2 years, with community support and commendable efforts by the Soil & Water Conservation Department, the area is now transformed to a beautiful water body which was revived from a… pic.twitter.com/G1Lr2bdgwC

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) January 30, 2024

He also added that the 25-kilometre stretch of road from the Sohra main road to Khongtong village will be black-topped under the PMGSY scheme, and work is expected to be completed by January 2025.

“This road will not only be a blessing to the people of the area but will boost tourism to a large extent,” he said.

For the Mawrah Multipurpose Reservoir Project, the reconnaissance survey and project conceptualization started in April 2021 at a project cost of Rs. 1.50 crore through the project funding from NABARD-RIDF XXVI, FY 2021–22.

Later on, other financial assistance was also received from the State Plan and Meghalayan Age Ltd. for the construction of the footbridge over the dam, approach roads, footpaths, boating platforms, and other infrastructure.

The dam of the reservoir has been designed in an arc shape for the purpose of structural stability and aesthetic beauty. The total water spread of the reservoir is approximated at 7.7 hectares to 8.0 hectares (19 to 20 acres), with the deepest point being 10.50 m.

Its maximum storage capacity is 5,28,000 cubic metres, or 528 million litres, which is capable of catering to the water needs of several villages.

Currently, the reservoir is becoming a breeding site for native fish species and is also attracting several migratory birds.

The reservoir is intended to serve as a multifaceted utility water body for day-to-day water requirements. It is expected that the reservoir will be an asset that can generate water-based employment opportunities for the local community.

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