INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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

Dr. Prithwi Jyoti Bhowmik
Dept. of Environmental Science, Maharaja Bir Bikram College, Agartala
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.1010000065
18242025
ABSTRACT
Meghalaya, a state in north-eastern India renowned for its extreme rainfall, is paradoxically facing a severe water
crisis, primarily driven by the depletion and degradation of its spring-based water resources. This research paper
employs a physical-geography lens to analyze the hydro-geological, climatic, and anthropogenic drivers of this
crisis. Through a desk-based review of government reports, project documents, and scholarly articles, this study
synthesizes data on over 70,000 identified springsheds, of which approximately 55,000 have been mapped and
792 are critically degraded. The analysis reveals that the combination of seasonal monsoon rainfall, complex
karst geology, steep slopes with thin soils, and human activities like deforestation, mining, and infrastructural
development creates a system where high rainfall translates into rapid runoff with minimal groundwater
recharge. The paper presents case studies of community-led interventions and state-level projects, highlighting
the effectiveness of integrated springshed management. It concludes with concrete recommendations spanning
technical measures, robust policy and governance frameworks, and innovative financing mechanisms to enhance
water security. The findings underscore the critical need for spatially-targeted, geography-informed strategies
that address both the physical and human dimensions of water scarcity in this fragile mountainous region.
Keywords: Meghalaya, Water Crisis, Springshed Management, Karst Hydrology, Physical Geography, Climate
Resilience, Mining Impact, Community Participation.
INTRODUCTION
Meghalaya, home to the wettest places on earth (Mawsynram and Cherrapunji), presents a profound hydrological
paradox: extreme rainfall coexists with acute dry-season water scarcity (Bhowmik & Hossain, 2025). The state's
population is heavily dependent on springs, with over 70,000 springsheds identified so far. However, a recent
inventory found 792 of these springs to be in a "critical" condition, with many having dried up or being beyond
easy rejuvenation (India Today NE, 2025). Historical surveys of a sample of springs indicate a disturbing trend,
with over 54% having experienced either complete drying or a major reduction in discharge (meghalayaccc.org,
2025).
This crisis is not merely a result of climatic variability but is deeply rooted in the state's unique physical
geography and its interaction with human activities. The high-intensity, seasonal monsoon rainfall, coupled with
steep slopes and specific geological formations like karst landscapes, predisposes the region to rapid surface
runoff rather than sustained aquifer recharge (MBDA, 2025). Compounding these physical constraints are
anthropogenic pressures such as deforestation, unsustainable mining practices, and soil compaction from
development (INRM, 2025; ResearchGate, 2025).
This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the water crisis in Meghalaya through an integrated physical-
geography framework. It seeks to: (1) delineate the physical drivers of water scarcity; (2) quantify the scale of
the problem using available data; (3) examine the interplay of human drivers; (4) evaluate ongoing interventions;
and (5) propose a multi-pronged strategy for sustainable water resource management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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METHODOLOGY
This study adopts a qualitative desk-based research methodology, synthesizing data from a wide range of
secondary sources. Data was collated from:
1. Government and State Agency Reports: Documents from the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority
(MBDA), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), NITI Aayog, and NABARD were reviewed.
2. Project Documentation: Detailed reports from funded projects such as the NAFCC Springshed
Rejuvenation Project, the ADB-funded Water Harvesting Project, and the Community-Led Landscape
Management Project (CLLMP) were analyzed.
3. Academic and Scientific Literature: Research papers and conference abstracts discussing the hydrology,
geology, and environmental issues of Meghalaya were incorporated.
4. Media and Institutional Briefs: Reputable news reports and briefs from organizations like the Integrated
Mountain Initiative were used to gather recent data and case studies.
The data was thematically analyzed to identify key drivers, impacts, and responses. Quantitative data was
synthesized into tables to provide a clear overview of the problem's scale. Case studies were developed to
illustrate specific challenges and solutions.
RESULTS
The Physical-Geographic Setting of Scarcity.
The physical geography of Meghalaya is a primary determinant of its hydrology. The state's location on the
Shillong Plateau subjects it to orographic lift, resulting in very high but highly seasonal monsoon rainfall. This
seasonality, combined with steep slopes, promotes rapid surface runoff and flash flows, limiting the time for
infiltration and groundwater recharge (MBDA, 2025). Geologically, the state is a mosaic, with extensive
limestone/karst formations in the Jaintia and Khasi Hills. Karst terrain is characterized by complex underground
flow paths (conduit flows), which are highly sensitive to land-use changes and subsurface disturbances like
mining, often bypassing traditional aquifer recharge processes (CGWB, 2025). Furthermore, the region's thin
soils on steep slopes, when denuded of forest cover, have low infiltration capacity, leading to significant rainfall
being "lost" as immediate runoff (INRM, 2025).
Scale of the Problem: A Quantitative Overview
The scale of the water crisis is reflected in the following synthesized data:
Table 1: Scale of the Springshed Crisis in Meghalaya
Indicator
Value / Trend
Source
Springsheds Identified
>70,000
Uniindia, 2025
Springsheds Mapped
~55,000
The Times of India, 2025
Critical Springsheds
792
India Today NE, 2025
Sample Springs Dried/Reduced
>54% (sample of 714)
meghalayaccc.org, 2025
Springshed Works under MGNREGS (5 yrs.)
~1,600
hubnetwork.in, 2025
State/Partner Investment (Reported)
₹4,000 to ₹8,000 crore
The Meghalayan Express, 2025
ADB Water-Harvesting Project
US$62.5 million (~₹516 crore)
The Times of India, 2025
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Physical and Human Drivers
The crisis is driven by a confluence of physical and anthropogenic factors, as detailed in Table 2.
Table 2: Key Drivers of the Water Crisis in Meghalaya
Driver
Evidence
Seasonal, Intense
Rainfall
MBDA, 2025
Deforestation
INRM, 2025
Soil Compaction
&Infrastructure
CGSpace, 2025
Mining (Coal,
Limestone)
ResearchGate,
2025
Over-extraction
NABARD, 2025
Climate Variability
agu.confex.com,
2025
Spatial Prioritization and Interventions
Spatial analysis, as suggested by the ongoing mapping of 55,000 springs, is crucial for targeting interventions.
Priority areas include:
1. High-Dependency Rural Landscapes: West Khasi, East Khasi, and Garo Hills districts.
2. Karst & Mining Hotspots: East Jaintia Hills for pollution remediation.
3. Steep, Deforested Catchments: Areas with the highest runoff potential for soil conservation.
A GIS map would illustrate this spatial prioritization, overlaying district boundaries, critical springshed
locations, geological zones (especially karst), and mining-affected areas, based on data from sources like
CGSpace (2025) and the state's springshed portal.
Figure 1: GIS Map of Meghalaya showing district-wise priority zones for springshed intervention, based on
spring criticality, geology, and land use. (Source: Adapted from CGSpace, 2025 & State Springshed Portal).
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A range of interventions are being implemented. Engineering measures like spring chambers, percolation pits,
and check dams are widely used to enhance infiltration (megsoil.gov.in, 2025). Afforestation with native species
and community-led land-use management have shown promise in improving seasonal resilience. Institutionally,
significant funds are being mobilized through schemes like MGNREGS, NABARD, and the ADB project,
alongside policy efforts like the Meghalaya State Water Policy (2019) and the formation of a state climate
council.
DISCUSSION
The findings confirm that Meghalaya's water crisis is a classic example of a "scarcity in abundance," where
physical geography sets the stage for vulnerability, and human actions exacerbate the problem. The high number
of critical springsheds (792) and the sample showing over 54% degradation are alarming indicators of systemic
stress. The juxtaposition of high rainfall with inadequate recharge underscores the limitations of viewing water
availability through a purely climatic lens; the critical factors are geological and ecological. The case studies of
Mawphanlur and Wah Shari spring demonstrate that technical solutions, when combined with community
participation, can significantly improve water security. These successes align with global best practices in
integrated water resource management for mountainous regions (NITI Aayog, 2019). Conversely, the situation
in Jaintia Hills serves as a stark warning of how extractive industries can disrupt hydrological systems and poison
water sources, necessitating strict regulatory enforcement and remediation. The massive financial investments
(₹4,000-₹8,000 crore) highlight the political recognition of the crisis. However, the effectiveness of these
investments will depend on their strategic allocation based on spatial priorities (Figure 1) and the integration of
technical, governance, and community dimensions. The recommendations put forward—such as formalizing
springshed protection zones, blending finance, and empowering women in water committees—provide a holistic
pathway forward. The emphasis on community monitoring and low-cost sensors is crucial for building a robust
evidence base to guide future action and ensure accountability. A significant limitation of this study is its reliance
on evolving and sometimes unverified secondary data. The numbers related to springsheds are dynamic, and
project reports may contain optimistic assessments. Future research must focus on establishing a standardized,
long-term monitoring network to generate reliable time-series data on spring discharge and water quality.
CONCLUSION
The water crisis in Meghalaya is a complex, geographically-conditioned challenge that cannot be solved by
isolated interventions. This paper has demonstrated that a deep understanding of the physical geography—the
climate, geology, and slopes—is non-negotiable for crafting effective solutions. While significant financial and
technical resources are being deployed, their long-term success hinges on strong governance, including the legal
protection of recharge zones, stringent regulation of mining, and the meaningful inclusion of local communities,
particularly women. By adopting a spatially-explicit, integrated springshed management approach that respects
the state's unique physical landscape, Meghalaya can transition from a paradigm of water scarcity to one of water
security and resilience.
REFERENCES
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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