Overview
- The India Meteorological Department’s October report, published Nov. 2, said the state received just 38.3 mm of rain in October, about an 85% deficit against the 255 mm normal.
- Meghalaya logged a 60% rainfall shortfall for the June–September southwest monsoon, receiving 1,077.1 mm against a 2,695.3 mm seasonal normal.
- All 11 districts recorded “large deficient” rainfall in October, with district shortfalls ranging from 74% up to 93% in South West Garo Hills.
- Officials warn the prolonged shortages are straining spring‑fed water systems and have already caused supply problems for multiple Jal Jeevan Mission tap‑water projects.
- The Public Health Engineering Department has mapped about 55,000 springs across 70,000+ springsheds, identified 785 critical springs for rejuvenation, and is prioritizing source restoration to protect rural drinking supplies.