Meghalaya Steps Up El Niño Preparedness, Reviews Water and Food Security Measures

SHILLONG, June 23: With forecasts indicating the possible emergence of El Niño conditions that could disrupt rainfall patterns and impact agriculture, water resources and livelihoods, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Meghalaya Climate Council at the State Guest House, Taraghar, to review the State’s preparedness and response strategy. The meeting brought together officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), Public Health Engineering (PHE), Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and other stakeholders. Reviewing assessments on rainfall trends, groundwater recharge, soil moisture levels, vulnerable agricultural blocks and water availability, Sangma directed departments to convert preparedness plans into actionable measures with clear timelines, while positioning the Meghalaya Climate Council as the nodal platform for coordinating and monitoring preparedness efforts across sectors.
The meeting identified water security as a priority area and reviewed measures including restoration of ponds and reservoirs, water harvesting structures, groundwater recharge, catchment protection and watershed management. Sangma called for accelerated implementation of soil and water conservation projects and district-level awareness programmes involving local institutions, village bodies, self-help groups and community organisations. The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department informed the meeting that contingency plans were in place, sowing activities were progressing normally and adequate seeds and planting materials were being made available, while preparations were underway to promote short-duration crop varieties, efficient water management practices and crop insurance coverage. The IMD emphasised preparedness and continuous monitoring, while the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department presented contingency plans for drinking water supply management. The Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department informed the Council that advance stocking of food grains and essential commodities was underway to ensure food security in the event of supply disruptions, as the State intensified efforts to strengthen climate resilience and preparedness against emerging weather-related uncertainties.