Severe Rainfall Deficit in Meghalaya Raises Water Security Concerns
Rainfall Shortfall in Meghalaya
The IMD’s October report indicated that all 11 districts of Meghalaya experienced significant rainfall deficits, ranging from 74 to 93 percent.
Shillong, Nov 3: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meghalaya recorded only 38.3 mm of rainfall in October, which is approximately 85 percent less than the average monthly rainfall of 255 mm.
This latest deficit follows a notably poor southwest monsoon season, where the state faced a 60 percent shortfall from June to September, accumulating just 1,077.1 mm compared to the expected 2,695.3 mm.
During the monsoon, the rainfall situation worsened, with July showing a 9 percent deficit that escalated to 38 percent in August, where the state received 359.7 mm against a normal of 581.6 mm, as per IMD data.
The IMD's report for October revealed that all districts in Meghalaya faced 'large deficient' rainfall, with deficits between 74 and 93 percent.
East Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills reported the most significant shortfalls at 92 percent each, followed closely by East Khasi Hills at 91 percent, East Garo Hills at 81 percent, and West Jaintia Hills at 80 percent.
Ri Bhoi experienced a 74 percent deficit, while South Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills reported deficits of 74 and 93 percent, respectively. West Garo Hills had an 86 percent deficit, and both South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills recorded deficits of 84 percent.
The IMD categorizes rainfall deficits of 60 to 99 percent as 'large deficient.'
The ongoing shortage of rainfall has sparked worries regarding water security in the state, especially concerning the sustainability of natural springs that provide drinking water to numerous communities.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has noted that several Jal Jeevan Mission initiatives are encountering water supply issues due to drying sources, altered rainfall patterns, and changing climatic conditions.
As a hilly region, Meghalaya relies significantly on spring-fed water sources, which have shown signs of distress during prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall.
The Public Health Engineering Department has raised alarms, having mapped around 55,000 springs across more than 70,000 springsheds and pinpointed 785 critical water sources for rejuvenation, emphasizing the vulnerability of natural springs outside the monsoon season.