SHILLONG: Even with summer just about to set in, Meghalaya's annual water crisis have started and the several ambitious water-supply projects that were inaugurated with much fanfare have come to nothing. Experts believe that authorities should now start looking at easy and affordable solutions to the crisis. "For example, the abundant natural springs in Meghalaya could to be scientifically developed to providing safe drinking water in the state, especially in rural areas," said an environmentalist. The urban areas, including Shillong, have several natural springs. Lack of official initiative to harness the bounty of nature in a comprehensive manner is missing.
The pristine springs are the main source of water supply and outlet of ground water in Meghalaya, the Central Ground Water Board had pointed out long ago. In fact, about 200 springs have a discharge rate of 120 litres per minute in rural Meghalaya.
"The Central Ground Water Board conducted resource evaluation studies, but there has been no movement in this regard ever since," an official said. "Development of springs will solve the crisis. The board had also identified an artesian belt in West Garo Hills where no power is needed to lift the ground water," he says.
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