Introduction:
The ‘Meghalaya Water Smart Kid Campaign’ was initiated by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, as a key step towards instilling a feeling of responsibility and understanding among the younger generation with regard to the conservation of water.
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is the organization that is responsible for this program, which has the objective of educating youngsters about the critical significance of water conservation.
The Availability of Water, Despite Its Obstacles
The paradoxical nature of Meghalaya’s water issue was brought to the forefront by Chief Minister Sangma during the launch of the campaign.
The state faces difficulties in protecting its water resources, despite the fact that it is located in one of the regions on earth that receives the highest average rainfall.
The state of Meghalaya is capable of retaining only one billion cubic liters of water, despite the fact that it receives an astounding 63 billion cubic liters of water annually from rainfall.
The Chief Minister provided an explanation that Bangladesh receives 31 billion cubic liters of the total, whereas Assam receives an amount that is similar to that of Bangladesh.
Interventions at the Governmental Level for Water Conservation
The government of Meghalaya State has implemented a number of different initiatives in order to address the pressing need for water conservation and sustainability.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti, which is part of the Government of India, and externally assisted projects (EAPs) are the organizations that provide support for these programs.
The Chief Minister Sangma has informed the public that the state is currently in the process of constructing one thousand water reservoirs in order to efficiently harness water.
Additionally, soil rejuvenation projects that are targeted at raising the groundwater table are being carried out in conjunction with these efforts.
A Commitment of Financial Resources to Water Conservation
The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has won major financing in the amount of roughly 8000 crores under the Joint Joint Mission and Emergency Assistance Programs (JJM and EAPs), highlighting the financial commitment to water conservation.
He acknowledged the difficulties, stressed the unrelenting efforts of authorities in reaching targets, and emphasized the fundamental necessity of sustainability and the rejuvenation of water supplies. He pointed out that the officials have been working hard to meet their aims.
In accordance with the Jal Jeevan Mission, recognition and awards
As part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has acknowledged Meghalaya as the “best performer” in the country. A further set of incentives has been provided to the state in recognition of its remarkable accomplishments.
With great pride, Chief Minister Sangma made the announcement that the state has successfully finished the installation of more than 4 lakh installed water connections in households. By March of 2024, it is anticipated that the lofty goal of achieving 6 lakh connections would have been accomplished.
Providing Recognition for Accomplishments While Overcoming Obstacles
In his speech, Chief Minister Sangma discussed the difficulties that are linked with the varied topography of Meghalaya. These difficulties include the establishment of pipe connections, the determination of water sources, and the construction of reservoirs.
Furthermore, in spite of these obstacles, the government has not wavered in its determination to guarantee that water is accessible to each and every home.
