Overview
- India Meteorological Department data released Oct. 7 show Meghalaya suffered a more than 60% rainfall shortfall during the 2026 monsoon, with normally wet Mawsynram and Sohra down about 35%.
- Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said early rains in March and April eased pressure this year and that the state is already seeing results from a multi‑year push to revive springs and protect catchments.
- The government used satellite mapping to identify roughly 17,000 springs and is redirecting nearly half of its MGNREGS funds to build small water‑harvesting structures and check dams.
- A ₹300‑crore World Bank project for the Umngi and Ganol river catchments that supply Shillong and Tura will continue to support drinking water security.
- A recent study reported that the current ‘super El Niño’ could strengthen through February 2027, which would raise heat‑related health risks and threaten rabi production in rainfed areas, though the study’s methods were not detailed in coverage.