Govt of India & ADB Sign $50Mn Loan to Boost Water Security in Meghalaya
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $50 million loan agreement to enhance water security and resilience against climate change in Meghalaya. The project aligns with the 2019 Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP), aiming for sustainable water resource management through a participatory approach.
The initiative includes constructing 532 climate-resilient water-harvesting systems across 12 districts to capture monsoon rainfall and mitigate flash floods. These systems will improve water availability during dry seasons, supporting irrigation for 3,000 hectares of farmland.
The project will establish 50 weather stations for climate monitoring, implement micro-irrigation systems in the Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions, and pilot renewable energy micro-hydropower in three locations. Village-level water security plans will be developed, managed by local councils and water user associations, ensuring community involvement and disaster preparedness.