Shillong, Jan 9: Meghalaya continues to enjoy a comfortable groundwater position, with all assessment units in the state categorised as ‘safe’ and no signs of over-extraction or contamination, according to the latest assessment by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

The findings are part of the report Dynamic Ground Water Resources, Ground Water Level & Ground Water Quality of Meghalaya, 2025, released recently by CGWB under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Experts attribute Meghalaya’s healthy groundwater status to its geology, where water is largely stored in shallow, fractured hard-rock aquifers and porous sedimentary formations that recharge quickly during the monsoon.

“Out of 40 assessment units, all are categorized as ‘Safe’ assessment units” the report said.

The assessment shows that Meghalaya’s stage of groundwater extraction stands at just 5.24%, far below the national safety threshold of 70%. The state’s annual extractable groundwater resources are estimated at 1.54 billion cubic metres (bcm), while actual annual extraction is only 0.08 bcm, indicating significant untapped potential.

CGWB data also reveal that the total annual groundwater recharge for the state is 1.84 bcm, supported by Meghalaya’s high average annual rainfall of over 3,070 mm

All 40 assessment units (blocks) in the state have been classified as safe, with none falling under semi-critical, critical, or over-exploited categories—making Meghalaya one of the few states in the country with such a favourable groundwater status.

The report further confirms that groundwater quality across Meghalaya meets all prescribed safety standards. Analysis of samples found no instances of excessive fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, uranium, or electrical conductivity beyond permissible limits. Notably, CGWB reported zero districts with anomalous groundwater quality values, underscoring the state’s relatively pristine subsurface water conditions

Groundwater levels in the state remain predominantly shallow. During the pre-monsoon period (May 2024), about 90% of monitored wells recorded water levels within 5 metres below ground level, while post-monsoon measurements in November 2024 showed further improvement, with over 95% of wells within the same shallow range. This indicates strong seasonal recharge and healthy aquifer conditions.

“All the assessment units are in safe category as well as future allocation of ground water is also sufficient, State Government can judiciously develop the ground water resource mainly for agricultural use, however, at no point of time the extraction level should exceed 70%” the report said.

The report also recommends spring-shed development in hilly areas, improved aquifer mapping under the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM), and strict enforcement of groundwater regulation guidelines.

Officials said the assessment provides a critical baseline for future water planning in Meghalaya, especially as the state balances development needs with climate resilience and water security.

Also Read: Railway development must consider local sentiments: Rymbui

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