In a meeting held on 17th January 2025 at the Meghalaya Secretariat Conference Hall, a collaborative effort between the Government of Meghalaya and the Brahmaputra Board was initiated to prepare a River Master Plan for the state’s ten river sub-basins (of the South Flowing Rivers). The meeting was led by Dr. P.S. Ahammed, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, i/c Water Resources Department and Dr. Ranbir Singh, IAS (R), Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board. The River Master Plan, employing state-of-the-art technology, aims to collect comprehensive multisectoral water-related data and information and to provide recommendations for the sustainable utilization of water resources across key sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, industries, and tourism. This effort will contribute to the development of an integrated river basin management plan.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board, Dr Ranbir Singh, described the initiative as “historic and vital” for Meghalaya’s economic development and livelihood improvement. He highlighted the critical role of water in addressing challenges like scarcity, floods, and soil erosion, and urged all stakeholders to actively participate by sharing data and identifying sectoral needs.
In addition to this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Brahmaputra Board and the Department of Water Resources for an integrated water rejuvenation and development project in Shiliang Um, East Khasi Hills.
The event also witnessed the commitment of various departments to work collaboratively on this multisectoral effort, ensuring the plan is practical, implementable, and inclusive of all future priorities. Officials expressed hope that this initiative will transform Meghalaya’s approach to water management, benefiting communities and fostering sustainable economic growth.
“This is not just a plan but a roadmap for the future of Meghalaya, ensuring water resources are utilized effectively for generations to come,”
The initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in Meghalaya’s development, with a focus on community welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic progress.