Context:

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $50 million loan agreement to build climate-adaptive community-based water-harvesting systems in Meghalaya. 

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The loan is aimed at enhancing water access and reducing community vulnerability against climate change impacts in Meghalaya.

The loan has been sanctioned under ADB’s State Water Conservation and Development (SWCD program.

• The SWCD initiative specifically focuses on water security and management. 

About the Project

The project aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019, which emphasizes sustainable water resource management, reducing vulnerability, and promoting participatory integrated water resource management.

The project will also pilot-test renewable energy micro-hydropower systems in Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions.

In addition, the project will also train farmers, especially women, to boost productivity in irrigated agriculture, including horticulture and fishery techniques.

About the Water-Harvesting System (WHS) Master Plan:

• The project will develop a state-wide WHS master plan, considering micro-catchment areas and disaster risk management.
• The plan will guide water security strategies at the village level to be managed by village councils, watershed committees, and water users’ associations.

Construction of Water-Storage Facilities:

• 532 small water-storage facilities will be built across 12 districts of Meghalaya.
• These climate-resilient facilities will capture and manage heavy rainfall and flash floods during the monsoon, ensuring water availability during the dry season.

Irrigation and Climate Data collection:

• The project will develop 3,000 hectares of command area to provide reliable irrigation areas for farmers.
• It will establish 50 weather stations for climate data collection and monitoring, and micro-irrigation systems in the Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions.

ADB’s Role in the Project

• ADB will help strengthen the capacity of the Meghalaya State Watershed and Wasteland Development Agency and the Soil and Water Conservation Department in water management.
• ADB will assist the state in implementing MSWP and integrating climate adaptation measures into water security plans.
• It will also provide guidance on designing water harvesting systems (WHS) to support agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, water supply, and other productive livelihoods.