Shillong, June 23: With forecasts pointing to the possible development of an El Niño event, Meghalaya has stepped up its preparedness measures, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma directing all departments to put in place actionable plans to safeguard water resources, agriculture and livelihoods.
Chairing a meeting of the Meghalaya Climate Council at the State Guest House in Shillong on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the state must prepare in advance for any climatic disruptions rather than respond after adverse conditions emerge.
The high-level meeting, attended by officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, Agriculture, Public Health Engineering and other departments, reviewed potential risks arising from El Niño, a climate phenomenon often associated with weak monsoons, prolonged dry spells and extreme weather events in India.
Water security emerged as the key area of concern, with the government planning desiltation and restoration of ponds and reservoirs, construction of new water-harvesting structures, groundwater recharge initiatives and catchment protection measures.
“We need practical interventions that can be implemented over the next six to twelve months,” the Chief Minister said, directing departments to accelerate ongoing soil and water conservation projects.
The Agriculture Department informed the meeting that district-level contingency plans are already in place and sowing activities are progressing normally.
Officials said adequate seeds and planting materials are being made available while efforts are underway to promote short-duration crop varieties, efficient water management practices and wider crop insurance coverage.
The state also plans to strengthen early warning systems and expand public awareness campaigns involving village bodies, self-help groups and community organisations to turn climate preparedness into a people’s movement.
The Public Health Engineering Department has prepared contingency plans for drinking water supply, including deployment of water tankers and emergency response mechanisms in the event of prolonged dry spells. Meanwhile, the Food Civil Supplies Department has begun advance stocking of food grains and essential commodities to prevent shortages and price spikes.
The meeting also highlighted the role of forests and ecosystem-based approaches in enhancing climate resilience, with the government looking to expand initiatives linked to water security and conservation of natural resources.
Concluding the meeting, Sangma directed departments to establish implementation frameworks with clear responsibilities and timelines, asserting that preparedness remains Meghalaya’s best defence against climate-related uncertainties.
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