Shillong, Dec 12: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the Soil Lake at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills, in the presence of Soil and Water Conservation Minister Marcuise Marak.
The lake, an eco-tourism initiative under the Nengsang River Valley Project (RVP), will support the conservation and rejuvenation of a vital water body, while promoting tourism and enhancing the beauty of Williamnagar town.
Dedicating the lake to the people of Williamnagar, the Chief Minister said that the intervention will add to the aesthetic appeal of the town while ensuring protection and conservation of nature.
“I remember many years back, late P.A. Sangma had a strong desire to rejuvenate this spring and this lake. Every time he came here, he would mention it to us, during meetings and even after meetings. That was the motivating factor for us to make this a reality today. It was his vision that guided us.”
Highlighting the crucial role of the Soil and Water Conservation Department in preserving the ecology, he said, “The department has been doing tremendous work to rejuvenate our springs, protect our rivers, and safeguard our water bodies.”
Stating that today’s inauguration stands as “another shining example of the true commitment shown by the department’s officials,” the Chief Minister expressed confidence that their efforts will yield results benefiting generations to come.
On the urgent threat of climate change affecting streams, rivers, and springs across Meghalaya, he said, “It may seem like we have enough time, but let me tell you, our race against climate change is becoming more difficult each day.” Referring to recent studies, he noted that Meghalaya may have “even crossed the tipping point, where the impact of climate change on our water bodies, agricultural products, forest cover, and different aspects of our environment is already happening.”
He reminded the gathering that while the effects may not be immediately visible, the coming decade could pose serious challenges. “What we do today will determine how much we can minimize the impact of global warming and climate change, which will inevitably affect future generations,” he cautioned.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment, he urged the department to scale up interventions, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the State’s springs are located.
“You have started doing commendable work in many areas, but we need more, especially in rural regions where most of our nearly 70,000 springs are located,” he said. He expressed hope that with strong community participation, Meghalaya would be able to “conserve, preserve, and rejuvenate these water bodies.”
Speaking on the ongoing development across the State, he noted the negativity and divisive narratives that often emerge on social media.
“If a foundation or inauguration takes place in Khasi Hills, someone from Jaintia Hills or Garo Hills will complain, ‘Why only in Khasi Hills?’ And when something happens in Garo Hills or Jaintia Hills, someone in Khasi Hills will ask, ‘Why only in Garo Hills?’”
He stated that the government has always aimed for holistic and equitable development across Meghalaya.
“When we are implementing a project anywhere in the State, our focus and thrust remain rooted in the people, particularly the future generation. We undertake projects to take Meghalaya forward. Our youth should be well-informed about the interventions we are undertaking for the State’s growth.”
He further reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive and holistic development.
“Our government never excludes any region, community, or group. We are working for all districts and all communities of the State. We should remember our forefathers who worked together in unity for Statehood. There are forces trying to divide us, but we must remain resolute and united for the growth and progress of Meghalaya. We should not fall prey to negativity and the vicious cycle,” the Chief Minister added.
He informed that visible development is underway across the State, and the government is working to enhance infrastructure and amenities in sectors such as education, health, tourism, and sports.
“In the last seven years, roads across different parts of the State have seen a transformation. We are working with a vision to provide the best for the State. We have a vision, and we are working to achieve it.”
Soil and Water Conservation Minister Marcuise N. Marak expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his constant support and interventions in driving change and development across the State. “We need to conserve our water bodies for the future generation, and as a government, we are undertaking multiple interventions to protect and rejuvenate our natural resources,” he said.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s growing vulnerability to climate change, he noted that the State has witnessed a steady decline in spring discharge, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased soil erosion over the last decade. “Nearly 70,000 springs sustain our rural households, and many of them are now under threat. Over 40 percent of villages have already reported some level of reduction in water availability during the lean season,” he added.
The Minister informed that the Government has constituted the Meghalaya Climate Change Council to provide long-term strategic direction and coordinate climate action across departments. “We are partnering with national institutions and international agencies to bring in scientific expertise, community-driven approaches, and sustainable technologies to rejuvenate our water sources across the State.”
He said that the department is implementing several flagship initiatives, such as the Spring Rejuvenation Programme, watershed development projects, and community-based climate-adaptive water harvesting systems. Under the ongoing programme, hundreds of spring-shed management plans have already been prepared, and work is under progress in the most vulnerable villages.
“We are creating large-scale conservation assets, check dams, recharge pits, water harvesting structures, to improve groundwater recharge and ensure year-round availability of water. Over the next few years, more than 500 new structures will be built to support irrigation, enhance soil health, and mitigate the impact of floods and droughts,” he stated.
Earlier, L. Shabong, Director of the Soil & Water Conservation Department, highlighted that the Soil Lake at Nengsang RVP stands as a “classic example” of how conservation assets can be transformed into sustainable, livelihood-generating eco-tourism spaces. He informed that the water body covers 0.5 hectares and holds nearly 10,000 cubic metres of water, representing not only an ecological resource, but also one of significant economic value.
He informed that the Department has initiated major efforts to address the drying of water sources that supply drinking water under JJM. This includes building a comprehensive database on source discharge and identifying critical sites requiring urgent revival interventions.
He further informed that the Government has begun implementing a climate-adaptive, community-based water harvesting programme under which 533 structures will be created across the State to support lifesaving irrigation, flood control, and, where feasible, micro-hydropower generation.
