Meghalaya faces water security concerns as October rainfall deficit hits 85 per cent
The state recorded only 38.3 mm of rain against the monthly normal of 255 mm, according to officials on Monday.
Meghalaya is experiencing a significant water crisis after recording an 85 per cent rainfall deficit in October, according to The Hawk on Monday. The state received just 38.3 mm of rain, compared to the monthly normal of 255 mm.
The shortage follows a deficient southwest monsoon period between June and September. During those months, the state received 1,077.1 mm of rainfall against a seasonal normal of 2,695.3 mm, representing a 60 per cent deficit.
All 11 districts in the state reported large rainfall deficits in October, with shortages ranging from 74 to 93 per cent. South West Garo Hills saw the highest deficit at 93 per cent, while East Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills recorded 92 per cent each.
The Public Health Engineering Department has mapped approximately 55,000 springs across more than 70,000 springsheds. From these, 785 critical water sources have been identified for rejuvenation.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma previously noted water-supply challenges in several Jal Jeevan Mission projects. He attributed these issues to changing rainfall patterns, climatic conditions, and declining water sources.
The lack of rain has raised concerns regarding drinking water availability, especially in remote and rural areas that rely on natural springs.