Shillong: Meghalaya is setting the national pace for water security. PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak confirmed on Tuesday that the state has identified 785 critical water sources for urgent rejuvenation. Success hinges on the Jal Jeevan Mission, which now supplies treated tap water to nearly 82 percent of rural homes.
Community groups run the sanitation committees behind these gains. The state is the first in India to roll out a Payment for Ecosystem Services model. This policy pays local communities to protect the forests they own, which cover 96 percent of the state. It keeps the water flowing. Technicians have mapped 55,000 springs and identified over 70,000 spring sheds to ensure the supply stays steady.
The Meghalaya Climate Change Centre now uses rainfall analytics and vulnerability mapping to guide water security. They manage 180 villages under the Meg ARISE project to build climate-resilient water catchments. Marak described the effort as a "Catchment-to-Tap" approach, which ensures every household connects to a sustainably managed water source.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the summit on Wednesday. He speaks at the valedictory session to wrap up the two-day event in New Delhi.
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