Shillong, Feb 7: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, on Wednesday made a clarion call to efficiently and optimally manage the water resources of the State. He made this in the backdrop of researches pointing towards a looming major water crisis.

Speaking at a programme for Self Help Groups under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY-WDC 2.0) in the city on Wednesday, the CM said water is an important resource for any nation and accessibility to safe and potable water remains a challenge for many nations.

Asserting that “all researches and studies are indicating towards a major water crisis,” he said Meghalaya is blessed to have enough water resources but the issue is with the management of water. “Through the years we have not been able to manage our water resources to efficiently and optimally,” he pointed out.

Highlighting government’s efforts towards better management of water resources, he emphasised on the need to have a two-pronged approach whereby the resources will be managed but, at the same time, people will have an alternative source of livelihood for a successful outcome that is sustainable

The need for a two-pronged approach, he explained, was because lot of people in the state are dependent on the forest, land and water resources for livelihood. He further said that to successfully implement these two strategies, the involvement of the community is the best way to move forward.

Later, he also distributed cheques of Rs 50,000 each to SHGs from different districts of the State.

Distributed cheques to SHG members and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY Watershed Development Component 2.0).

Owing to our robust SHG and grassroots network, Meghalaya has been one of the Top Performers in the country in the implementation of… pic.twitter.com/DPAZLTA6sW

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 7, 2024

Earlier, Minister, Soil & Water Conservation, Marcuise N Marak said PMKSY has played an important role in enabling SHGs to implement various income generating activities, adopt modern agricultural practices and strengthen livelihood in the activities and the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY has not only focused on livelihood enhancement but has also improved the production systems of the farmers in the state.

He also informed that through the convergence among various schemes and programs by integrating efforts across sectors like Agriculture, Rural Development, Forestry and Water Resource Management, PMKSY has achieved comprehensive and sustainable development.

Various SHGs from Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills also shared their experiences during the occasion.

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