Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar on Monday underscored water security and community-driven conservation as the backbone of the State’s sustainable development strategy, highlighting that Meghalaya has mapped over 60,000 springs and identified 747 critical water sources, marking a decisive shift towards long-term ecological planning. Setting a strong environmental governance tone, the Governor said phased preservation measures are being rolled out to protect vulnerable water systems, reflecting the State’s intent to balance economic progress with ecological resilience.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said, “State has mapped over 60,000 springs, identified 747 critical water sources, and launched phased preservation efforts, making water security a cornerstone of sustainable growth. Over the last 5 years, Meghalaya planted over 1.8 crore saplings through afforestation and reforestation drive across 1,26,000 hectares and we plan to add another 42,000 hectares in the next 5 years.” Highlighting Meghalaya’s distinctive conservation framework, he added, “Meghalaya is uniquely positioned to safeguard livelihoods while protecting nature. With 76% forest cover and over 90% of forests owned and managed by communities, our stewardship reflects generations of tradition and responsibility.” Emphasising outcome-linked conservation incentives, the Governor further said, “Flagship initiatives like GREEN Meghalaya and GREEN Meghalaya+ have turned conservation into tangible value, over 3,000 beneficiaries conserving more than 51,000 hectares of forest, with ₹48 crore released through rigorous, performance-based verification, ensuring accountability and rewarding stewardship.”
Meghalaya Maps 60,000 Springs, Flags 747 Critical Water Sources as Governor Pushes Conservation-Led Growth
