Draft Meghalaya State Water Policy 2013

Table of contents 1. Introduction

1.1 Structure of the document

2. Current situation of water resources in Meghalaya

3. Policy targets

2.1 Physical environment 2.1.1 Topography and rechargeof water resources 2.1.2 Climate/rainfall 2.1.3 Vegetation/landuse

2.2 Demographics 2.3 Economy 2.4 Climate Change 2.5 Legal and policy framework for the water sector 2.5.1 India’s nationalpolicyframework for the water sector 2.5.2 Internationalconventionsandtreaties 2.5.3 Meghalaya’s policyframework forthe watersector

2.5.4 Interstate policy framework for shared water resource management 2.5.5 Institutionalframework forthe water sector 2.5.6 Central government 2.5.7 Stategovernment 2.5.8 Districtgovernment and communitylevel 2.5.9 Private sector 2.5.10 Civilsociety and NGOs 2.5.11 Researchinstitutions

2.6 Water resource management 2.6.1 Water availabilityandquality 2.6.2 Different wateruses and potentials

2.7 Challenges 2.7.1 Increasingandcompeting demands forwater 2.7.2 Water pollution

2.7.3 Land degradation 2.7.4 Biodiversity

2.7.5 Floods and Drought 2.7.6 Institutionallandscape andcoordination 2.7.7 Institutionalcapacity 2.7.8 Financialviability 2.7.9 Dataavailability andInformation system

3.1 Vision 3.1.1 Principles

3.1.2 Objectives

3.2 Strategic orientation 3.2.1 Water resource management 3.2.2 Rural water supplyandsanitation 3.2.3 Urban water supply, waste water and sanitation 3.2.4 Agriculture andirrigation 3.2.5 Other uses of water 3.2.6 Governance 3.2.7 Planning, implementationand construction 3.2.8 Operation & maintenance 3.2.9 Financing 3.2.10 Disastermanagement and risk reduction

3.2.11 Environment 3.2.12 Climate change

3.2.13 Knowledge, research and data

4. Implementation of the state water policy 4.1 Institutional, capacity, institutional, legal and regulatory aspects 4.2 Sector coordination 4.3 Action plan 4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Annex A Action plan Annex B Stakeholder consultation plan Annex C References/bibliography

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BDA BasinDevelopmentAuthority CDM Clean Development Mechanism CEO ChiefExecutive OfficerCER Certified EmissionReduction CFTRI CentralFoodTechnologyResearch Institute CSIR Councilof ScientificandIndustrialResearch DBT DepartmentofBiotechnology DRDA District RuralDevelopment Agency FRI ForestryResearch Institute GDP Grossdomesticproduct GIZ GesellschaftfürInternationaleZusammenarbeit ICAR IndianCouncilof Agricultural Research ICFRE IndianCouncilofForestryResearch andEducation ICRISAT International CropsResearch Instituteforthe Semi‐AridTropics IIT IndianInstitute ofTechnologyMNRE Ministry of Renewable EnergyMoEF Ministryof Environment andForestMoP Ministry of Petroleum and NaturalGas MoRD Ministryof Rural Development MWR Ministry of Water ResourcesNABARD NationalBankforAgriculture andRuralDevelopment NGO Non‐governmentalorganization NOVOD NationalOilseedandVegetableOilsDevelopmentBoard NRAA NationalRainfedArea Authority NREGS NationalRuralEmploymentGuaranteeScheme OECD Organization forEconomic Co‐operationandDevelopmentPRIA SocietyforParticipatoryResearch inAsia R&D Research andDevelopment RIS Research andDevelopmentSystemfor DevelopingCountries IRS IndianRupees (1€ = ~60Rs.) SPWP SocietyforPromotionofWastelandsDevelopment SVO Straight vegetableoilTBO Tree‐borne oilseed TERI The EnergyResearch Institute VAT Value added taxVEC Village ElectrificationCommittee VESP VillageEnergy Security Programme

 

1. Introduction

Waterisa naturalresource, fundamentaltolife,livelihood,foodsecurity andsustainabledevelopment.Inaddition,there are challenges offrequentfloodsand droughtsin many partsof Meghalaya.With agrowingpopulationandrisingneeds ofa fastdevelopingstate aswell asthe givenindicationsof theimpactof climatechange,availabilityof utilizablewaterwillbeunder furtherstrainsin future withthepossibilityofdeepeningwaterconflictsamong differentusergroups.Lowpublic consciousness aboutthe overall scarcityand economicvalue ofwaterresultsinitswastage andinefficientuse.Inaddition, there are inequitiesdistributionandlackofaunified perspectiveinplanning,managementanduseof waterresources. Realising the significance and scarcity attached to the fresh water and the fact that it is an essential requirement for sustaining all forms of life, it has to be planned, developed, conserved andmanagedwith utmostprudence andcare. Theimportanceofwateris critical inrelationtoseveralaspectsoflife: Safe drinking water is a human right and a fundamental requirement for peopletolive ahealthy life

Cleanwater is essential forhygieneanddiseasecontrol Wateris neededfortheproductionoffood Water is fundamental in the sustenance of ecosystems, biodiversity and environmentalservices

Water is a requirement for economic activity; it serves multiple purposes inrelation to agriculture,fisheries,industrial production, energy supply, and tourism

However, due to the monsoon climatic patterns of Meghalaya with very highprecipitation concentrated in a few months of the year and limited rains in other seasons, the spatial and temporal distribution of water is uneven. Hence, whilethe State is generally well‐endowed with water resources periodic or local water scarcity and drought occurs. Moreover, overabundance of water at other times or other locations can lead to floods, which damage crops, property, infrastructure and can lead to casualties. Furthermore, climate change isinfluencing the hydrological systems and water availability with increasingly erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns and increased frequency and magnitude ofextremeevents,such as droughtsand heavyrainsleadingtofloods. Water resources and hydrological systems are increasingly under pressure fromacombinationof multiple factors, such as: Increasing and competing demands due to population growth and economic development

Pollution from industries, agriculture, and household waste. This poses athreattoboth peoples’health and theenvironment

Disruption of hydrological cycles caused by climate change, deforestation,and excessive water abstraction, which affects rainfall patterns, water flow in

rivers, groundwater levels, and surface run‐off. The impact related to this includes water scarcity, drought, floods and erosion; which can lead to famine,disease, andlossoflives,property and economicopportunities

Sustainable and equitable planning, development and management of waterresourcesiscritical forthe economicdevelopmentofMeghalaya and forsecuring health and livelihoods of her citizens, while protecting the state’s natural assets. Considering the multiple and competing needs for, and uses of, water and the multiple and complex processes putting increased pressure on water resources, water resources must be managed in an integrated and holistic manner, where the various social, economic and environmental needs are balanced and met in a sustainable manner. The Meghalaya State Government has the responsibility to govern and lead this, whiletakingnational priorities,policies,andlegislationintoaccount. The Meghalaya State Water Policy provides the framework for sustainablemanagement of Meghalaya’s water resources. The State Water Policy builds on India’s National Water Policy (2012).Previously, the policies and legislation governing the water sector in Meghalaya and in India was sectoral and did not sufficiently apply an integrated and holistic approach to water management and planning, and as a result, and as a result they did not provide an adequateframework to ensure sustainable water resource management. Hence, theMeghalaya State Water Policy implies a significant shift of paradigm and move towards an integrated and more sustainable management of the State’s water resources. Applying an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach, the State Water Policy targets all stakeholders in the water sector. This includes state government agencies and staff at all levels, districtgovernment, district councils, water user associations, private sector, civil society, research institutions, and international development partners. It frames the roles and responsibilities of these stakeholders. Furthermore, the StateWater Policy recognises cross‐sectoral issues related to water use and links to otherrelevantstateand nationalsector policies. 1.1 Structure of the document

Thepolicyisorganized intofoursections: Section 1: Provides the introduction to the policy, the applied methodology andthe structure.

Section 2: Provides an overview of the current status of the water sector inMeghalaya: the physical environment; the socio‐economic context; the policy and legal framework; current water availability and use; and potentials and challenges.

Section 3: Describes the State Water Policy’s vision, strategy and objectivesvis‐à‐vis water resource management and use of water for different purposes and by different sectors. It also describes the vision, strategy and objectives for water governance and rights; modalities for operation, maintenance and financing; capacity development objectives; disaster management environmentalprotection;and climatechange adaptation.

             

Section 4: Describes the modalities for implementation of the State Water Policy, its institutional and legal implications, and investment planning. Furthermore, it provides an action plan for implementation and outlines monitoringarrangements.

2. Current situation of water resources in Meghalaya

2.1 Physical environment

2.1.1 Topography and recharge of water resources The total area of Meghalaya is 22,429 km2. Meghalaya comprises a hilly upland plateau formed by the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills with an elevation ranging from 150to 1961 meters above sea level. Due to the undulating terrain only 12% of the geographical area of Meghalaya is suitable for agricultural cultivation (source:Twelfth Five YearPlan–2007‐2012). Thestate of Meghalayaisblessedwithbountifulwaterresourcesthatneed tobe harnessed. Hydrologically,the Statecomprises oftwobasins,viz., theLeft Bank ofBrahmaputra Basin(11220.11km2)andtheBrahmaputra TributariesBasin (11208.89 km2), three catchments viz., KalangtoDhansiriConfluence (about4499.61 km2),BangladeshBordertoKalang Confluence(about6720.50 km2)andSouthFlowingDrainage ofMeghalaya(11208.89 km2),eightsub catchments withasizerangeof 2.08to2.46lakhhectare 35watershedswitha size rangeof 0.03 to 0.22 lakhhectare. Meghalaya is sharing water resources with Assam and Bangladesh, with Meghalaya being located upstream. The state has 3300 km of rivers and 390 ha ofswamps. Riversandstreamsin Meghalaya are generally fast flowing.

Thesearethemainrivers andstreamsinMeghalaya: Brahmaputra basin: Dilni, Ganol, Jinjiram, Ringgi, Ghagua, Didak, Damring,Krishnai, Dudhnoi, Ronggre, Umsiang, Umkhri, Umiam, Umiew, Myntang, andUmlarem

Meghna/Barak basin: Kangra, Simsang, Dareng, Darong, Rongik, Kynshi, Umngi, Myntdu, UmngotandLubha

There is a very high densityof drainagenetworksystem inMeghalaya,but mostofthe riversand streams havewateronly duringtherainy season and manystreamsdryuportheirflow dwindlesduringthesummerleadingto water scarcity.Groundwater isthe largest accessibleandyetunderdeveloped resource intheentire State.The regionalwatershortagesandwatercrisescanonlybemetwitha rationalandsustainableuseof this untappedfreshwaterreservoir. Theimportanceand contribution ofground water is felt in the recentyearsto copewith development andscarcity situations, particularlyto meetthe drinkingwaterneeds. Theannualgrossdynamicgroundwater rechargeof Meghalaya has beenestimatedas 1.234billionm3 (BCM).Annual allocationfor domestic& industrialwaterrequirementuptoyear 2025 isestimated as0.096billion m3 as per census 2001. 1.014 billionm3 ofground waterpotentialmay beutilizedforirrigation.

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Thelevel of groundwaterdevelopment inthe stateis0.15%. (Source:Central GroundWaterBoard,2012).

2.1.2 Climate/rainfall

The only form of precipitation occurring in Meghalaya is rainfall. The State receives bountiful rainfall, especially in its southern river basins and boasts the highest annual rainfall in the world in the belt of Sohra‐Mawsynram region. However, there is considerable variation in the rainfall; the average annual rainfallscenario intheStateispresentedbelow: SouthernMeghalaya= 2600mm NorthernMeghalaya=2500to3000mm SouthEastern Meghalaya= 4000mm State average =2818mm Furthermore, the temporal distribution of precipitation is uneven; most of the rainfall is received during the Southwest Monsoon. As a result, many parts of the state experiences acutewatershortages during the dryseason. Dependingonaltitudeandseason,temperaturesrange from2 C to 36 C.

2.1.3 Vegetation/land use

The natural vegetation of Meghalaya is primarily mountainous moist broadleafforest, which is tropical, subtropical or temperate, depending on elevation. The forest cover is high, according to the State of Forest Report (2001, Forest Survey of India), the total forest cover is 15,584 km2 corresponding to approx. 70% ofthe total geographical area, comprising a mix of dense forest, open forests and scrub forests. The main anthropogenic land use is agriculture. Agriculture in Meghalaya is inmany places characterised by the widespread use of “jhum” shifting cultivation and a large proportion of the area classified as forest is actually jhum fallow regrowth; in 1987‐1997, an estimated 1800 km2 of the forest was part oftheJhumfallow cycle. Permanent bun cultivation, where slopes are terraced to reduce surface runoff and erosion, is also practiced, especially in East Khasi HillsThe total cropped area in Meghalaya is 2658 km2 corresponding 11.85% of the totalgeographical area. Most of the villages are situated on the top of the hills, while water sources likestreamsandriversflowatthe bottomof the hills.

2.2 Demographics

The population of Meghalaya is presently over 2.96 million (source: 2011 population census), but with the current decadal growth rate in Meghalaya of

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27.82%(source: 2011 population census), it is expected to reach a level ofaround 3.39 million by 2025 AD. However, while the population growth rate ishigh, the population density at 132 persons per km2 remains much lower than the national average. Approximately 80% of the population is rural. The population of the state is diverse, and comprises primarily a number of tribal ethnic groups, with approximately 85% classified by the Government as scheduled tribes (source: the Eleventh Five Year Plan, 2007‐2012). The Khasis are the largest group, followed by the Garos. Other groups include the Jaintias,the Koch, the related Rajbongshi, the Boro, Hajong, Dimasa, Hmar, Kuki, Lakhar,Mikir, Rabha andNepali.

2.3 Economy

The annual per capita income in Meghalaya is 90% of the national average; in2005‐6 it was Rs. 18,074 compared to the national Rs. 20,816 (source: theEleventh Five Year Plan, 2007‐2012). Poverty is widespread in the State with an estimated 18.50% living below poverty line in 2004‐5, although this figure was lower than the national average of 27.80% (source: the Eleventh Five Year Plan, 2007‐2012). Furthermore, the average annual economic growth rate in 2007‐2012 was 9.1%, compared to the national annual of 7.8% (source: the Twelfth Five Year Plan, 2012‐2017). Approximately 80% of the population depends on agriculture as the primary source of livelihood. However, the contribution of the primary sector to the State’s economy has declined from 23.25% in 2004‐05 to 17.04% in 2011‐12. In the same period, the contribution of the industrial sectorhas increased from 26.14% in 2004‐05 to 29.4%. The contribution of the tertiary sector to the GSDP increased from 50.61% to 53.55%. (source: the Twelfth Five YearPlan,2012‐2017). 2.4 Climate Change

The state of Meghalayais highly prone to the effects of climatechange because ofits geo‐ecological fragility, humid monsoon climate, and socio‐economicproblems. Since 2005‐6, there has reportedly been a trend of declining annualrainfalls in Meghalaya; this is attributed by experts to a combination of climate change and deforestation. However, climate models predict 2‐3.5C temperature increases and a 250‐500 mm increase in precipitation (the rainfall increase ispredicted to be higher in forest covered areas). Furthermore, the rainfallvariability and occurrence of extreme events has increased and is expected to further increase, with monsoon rains already having increased drastically since 2001 and shifted towards the “post‐monsoon” period. This has over the last twenty years lead to an increased frequency and magnitude of floods during the monsoon. At the same time, the occurrence of droughts has increased in Meghalaya. Thus, climate change will in the future further increase the frequency and magnitude offloodsanddroughts. Short duration heavy rainfall and unprecedented variations in temperature and climate pose a potential destructive effect on the agriculture, the mainstay in the

State. Meghalaya’s rich natural resources and horticulture production of tropical,sub‐tropical and temperate fruits and vegetables and tea bushes are highly sensitive to climate change. Hence, climate change impacts are potentially very severe for the environmental security and sustainability and thus for rurallivelihoods. Calamitoushailstormsalsocause cropdamage. The increased uncertainty, variability and unpredictability is make agricultural planning more difficult.As a result of this, crop production is affected, which threatens the livelihoods of the vast majority of Meghalaya's population, who are engaged in the agricultural sector. The following specific negative impacts ofclimatechangeinMeghalayacanbe noted: Due to excessive rainfall food grains are destroyed, resulting in lowagricultural productivity, which in turn is increasing food insecurity. The rainfallsalso affect the growth of theyoung plants at the nursery stage.

Heavy rain falls increase the soil erosion associated with shiftingcultivation inhillyareas.

Climate change and specifically floods have forced people to leave their homes and land. This internal displacement has caused a dramatic increase in environmental refugees. Meghalaya has seen a significant increase in the number of environmental refugees from Bangladesh, whichputfurtherstrains on the State'sresources.

Climate change is not only affecting the livelihoods of hill farmers who depend on sub‐soil water, but has also resulted in shortages of drinking water,particularlyduringwintermonths.

Forests have been destroyed because of the drastic climatic conditions disturbingtheflora/ecosystemsofthe Meghalaya.

2.5 Legal and policy framework for the water sector

2.5.1 India’s national policy framework for the water sector

2.5.1.1 The Strategic Plan for Rural Drinking Water in IndiaThis document setsout a strategic planforthe Department ofDrinkingWater andSanitationinthe ruraldrinking water sectorforthe period2011 to2022. ThePlanis broadlyset out in the following parts: AspirationsandGoalsfortheStrategicPlanof theDepartment of Drinking Waterand Sanitation andthe rural drinkingwatersector asawhole.

Thecurrentsituation,andchallengesconcerningtherural drinkingwater

sector.

TheStrategyandImplementationPlansfor differentobjectives: The Departmentof Drinking Water and Sanitation has identified five Strategic Objectives (Source Sustainability; Water QualityManagement; Sustainable ServiceDelivery(O&M), StrengthenDecentralisedGovernance,andBuildProfessional Capacity) toachieveitsoverallobjectiveofprovidingimproved,sustainable drinkingwaterservicesinrural communities.

TheImplementationPlanundereach Strategyprovides optionsfrom whicheachStatecanformulate itsown Implementation Plan depending

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onitsneeds, capacityandresources, and establisha timeframe forachievingtransformation.

TheLearningAgenda, ResourcesRequiredandKeyPerformanceIndicatorsto monitor progress against the Strategy andImplementation Plans.

TheGovernmentofIndia,through the DepartmentofDrinkingWater andSanitation,hasalready takensignificantstepstomeetthischallenge through theNationalRuralDrinkingWater Programme(NRDWP).This document has been prepared to help operationalize theNRDWPbysetting outaStrategicPlan intermsof aspirations, goals, objectives and strategic initiativesfor the sectorfortheperiod2011‐2022. Aspirations:Allruralhouseholdstohave access topipedwatersupplyinadequatequantity with a metered tap connection providingsafedrinking water, throughout theyear,thatmeetsprevalentnational drinkingwaterstandards,leading tohealthy andwell‐nourished childrenand adultsandimprovedlivelihoods and education. Continuousuninterrupted water supplyisanaspiration and efforts should bemadeto coverincreasingnumbers ofhabitationswith24x7water supply. Goals:Toensure that everyrural person hasenoughsafewater for drinking,cooking and other domesticneeds as wellas livestock throughout the year including duringnaturaldisasters.By2022,everyrural person inthecountrywillhave accessto70lpcdwithintheirhouseholdpremises oratahorizontalorvertical distanceofnotmore than50metersfromtheirhouseholdwithoutbarriersof social orfinancialdiscrimination.Individual Statescanadopt higher quantity norms,suchas100lpcd.Itis recognizedthatStateswilladopttheirownstrategies andphased timeframestoachieve thisgoal. Threestandardsofservice can be identified depending onwhatcommunitieswant: Basicpipedwatersupplywithamixofhousehold connections,publictaps and hand pumps(designed for 55 lpcd)‐with appropriate costingas decidedbyStates taking affordabilityandsocialequityintoconsideration

Pipedwatersupplywithallmetered,household connections(designed for 70lpcdor more)‐ withappropriatecost ceilingsas decidedbyStatestakingaffordabilityandsocialequityinto consideration.

In extreme cases, hand pumps (designed for 40 lpcd), protected open wells,protectedponds,etc.,supplementedby other localsources– preferablyfree of cost.Optimum use of rainwater should bean integrated elementinallthe threecases.

Timelines:

By2017, Ensurethat atleast55%of ruralhouseholdsareprovidedwith pipedwatersupply;atleast35%ofrural households havepipedwater supply with a householdconnection; less than 20% usepublictapsand less than

45%usehandpumpsorothersafe and adequateprivate water sources.Allservicesmeetsetstandardsin terms of qualityand number ofhours ofsupply everyday.

Ensure thatall households,schoolsandanganwadisinruralIndiahave accesstoanduseadequatequantityof safe drinking water.

Provideenablingsupport and environmentfor PanchayatRajInstitutions andlocalcommunitiestomanage at least 60% of ruraldrinking water sourcesand systems.

By2022, Ensurethat atleast90%of ruralhouseholdsareprovidedwith pipedwatersupply;atleast80%ofrural households havepipedwater supply with a householdconnection; less than 10% usepublictapsand less than10%usehandpumpsorothersafe and adequateprivate water sources.

Provideenablingsupport and environmentfor allPanchayatRajInstitutionsandlocalcommunitiestomanage 100%ofruraldrinking watersourcesandsystems.

2.5.1.2 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) The MDG most directly related to water is MDG 7 “Ensure EnvironmentalSustainability”, in particular Target 10 “halve, by 2015, the proportion of peoplewithout sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation”. In India, the first indicator “proportion of the population with sustainable access to an improved water source” (target: 83% coverage) related to this target was achieved already in 2007‐8 with a84.4 per cent coverage (Source: Millennium DevelopmentGoals –IndiaCountry Report2011).However,thesecondindicator“proportion of the population with access to improved sanitation (62%)” is not likely to be met, with an expected coverage in 2015 of 57% (Source: Millennium Development Goals – India Country Report 2011). In rural areas, the estimated coverage in 2015 in rural areas is 52.16% covered (MDG target 53.36%). In urban areas, the target is likely to be met with an expected coverage of 88.36% (MDG target 87.86%). (Source: Millennium Development Goals – India Country Report 2011). Furthermore, water management of relevance to achieving the MDGs in otherways: MDG 1: Eradicated extreme poverty and hunger – Water management is a central element of agricultural productions; thus improved water management can increase yields and thereby enhance incomes and food securityofpoorfarmers

MDG 4: Reduce child mortality and MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases – Access to clean water and sanitation reduces the vulnerability towaterborneandotherdiseases

MDG 6: Ensure Environmental Sustainability – Water management is closely linked to environmental protection in several ways, including: water quality and pollution, wetland and habitat protection, erosion, salinisation, and soilfertility

2.5.1.3 National Water Policy India’s National Water Policy (2012) outlines a number of principles for the future water management in India, including a shift towards integrated and environmentally sustainable water management in recognition of human, social and economic needs. The basic unit for water planning is established as the river basin. Equitable water access, good governance based on informed decisions, and stakeholder consultations are other key principles. Access to safe and cleandrinking water and sanitation are defined as a right, all other uses of water areviewed as an economic good, which is to be conserved and used efficiently. Thus, drinking water needs and ecosystem water needs must be met, before water can be used for other purposes. It is also established that climate change impacts mustbetakenintoconsideration inwatermanagement decisions. The policy calls for the professional operation of water schemes, and for water pricing and the introduction of tariff systems for cost recovery. States are responsible for cost recovery, including establishing water tariff systems and specify criteria for water charges, preferably on volumetric basis, at sub‐basin, river basin and state level after ascertaining the views of the beneficiary public, based on the principle that water charges shall reflect full cost recovery and take anycross‐subsidiesintoaccount. Similarly, recycling and reuse of water is encouraged after treatment to specifiedstandards through tariff systems, in which there is a cost for the quantity withdrawn, a refund for properly treated water returned for reuse, and heavy finesfor returningpollutedwaters. The role of the states is to be transformed from service provision towardsregulation and the service provider role, shall be transferred to communities and the private sector. The National Policy thus calls for giving water users’ associations statutory powers to collect and retain a portion of water charges, manage the water allotted to them and maintain distribution systems. Local governing bodies, such as durbars, panchayats, municipalities, corporations, and water users’ associations shall beinvolved inplanningand implementationof water projects. A Water Regulatory Authority should be established in each state, with the responsibility to regulate the water tariff system and charges. The Authority may also have functions other than tariff systems, such as regulating allocations, monitoring operations, reviewing performance and suggesting policy changes,etc.Theymayalsoassistinresolvingintra‐statewater relateddisputes. The National Policy states “water needs to be managed as a community resource held, by the state, under public trust doctrine to achieve food security, livelihood, and equitable and sustainable development for all; it also calls for strengtheningcommunity‐based water management. The National Policy recognises that Stateshave the right to frame policies, laws and regulations on water. For interstaterivers and basins, the National Policy calls for national legislation to enable the establishment of basin authorities with appropriate powers to plan, manage and

regulate utilization of water resource in the basins. Inter‐basin transfers to rechargewaterstressed areasare encouraged. 2.5.2 International conventions and treaties

India is signatory to the following international laws, protocols, agreements and declarations that place obligations on the government in relation to ensuringsustainable andequitablewatermanagementand access: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, 1992

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), 1971(ratifiedbyIndiain 1982)

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1976 (ratifiedbyIndiain 1979)

2.5.3 Meghalaya’s policy framework for the water sector

2.5.3.1 Meghalaya Vision 2030

Vision 2030 (2011) is the overarching development vision for Meghalaya. It aims at ensuring inclusive economic and political empowerment, which itacknowledges requires inclusive and participatory governance. Furthermore, itcalls for the provision in the urban and rural areas of water supply to ensure the wellbeing of people, and water harvesting and water retention along with major irrigation based on river and stream water, is seen as precondition for agricultural development in Meghalaya. It emphasises that devolution of irrigation, water supply and sanitation service delivery to local communities helps reduce the cost of delivery, and as local residents are most familiar with local conditions they can use their knowledge to best decide where to situate the service. 2.5.3.2 Five Year Plans Meghalaya’s Five Year Plans outline development priorities and objectives forthe higher level and for all sectors, including specific programmes and five‐year budgetswithinthe overallframeworkofMeghalayaVision2030. TheTwelfthFiveYearPlan,2012‐2017 hasthreeoverarchingpriorities:1)To harnessthestate’snaturalresources forsustainablelivelihoods,2)To expand andstrengthentheinfrastructuralbase,and 3)To buildcapacityamongthe people. Water is mentioned in several sectors, in particular in relation to waterresources management, agricultural production, water and sanitation, andenvironmentalprotection. Priority 1: Focuses on agricultural/primary production, acknowledging that water resources management is a key focus area, such as promoting effective groundwateruse,rainwaterharvestingandsmallmultipurpose reservoirs,e.g.in

order to address the vulnerability of rain fed agriculture to weather conditions andclimate change. Priority 2): Concern is raised that while there has been a push towards increasing the area under irrigation, irrigation investments comprise only 2.7% ofthe totalspendingunder previous Five Year Plans. The 12th Five Year Plan also emphasises to further utilize the State’s hydropower potential through large, small and medium scale schemes. The Five Year Planalsooutlines objectivestofurtherincrease thecoverage of urbanand rural water supply and sanitation. The overall strategy for water is to embrace an integrated water resourcesmanagementapproach,whichseeksto: Encourage planning and management of natural water systems through a dynamicprocess

Balance competing uses of water through efficient allocation that addresses socialvalues,costeffectiveness,andenvironmentalbenefitsand costs

Require the participation of all units of government and stakeholders indecision‐makingthrough aprocessofcoordination andconflict resolution

Promote water conservation, reuse, source protection, and supply developmentto enhancewater qualityand quantity

Fosterpublichealth,safety,andcommunitygoodwill 2.5.3.3 State Action Plan on Climate Change The State Action Plan on Climate Change has the objective of stabilising greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing ecosystem resilience. With a projected enhanced water scarcitydue to climatechange,thePlanaims at improving water efficiencyby20%. Thekeypriorities ofthePlaninrelationto thewatersector are: Formulationofan equitableMeghalayaStateWaterPolicy;

Expansion of the hydrometric network and river monitoring to improve data availability;

Developmentofflood anddrought forecastingmodels; Restoration andcreationofwaterstructures; Preparation and implementation of a water management plan (Integrated WaterResource Management)

Waterconservation Minimisewaste and ensureequitable distribution, and Establishmentofthe Meghalaya RiverBasin Authority. In relation toagriculturalwater,itsmainfocusison: Enhancingtheresilienceof rainfedagriculture, Small‐scale irrigation,andrehabilitationofexistingwaterdams, Constructionof rainwater harvestingfacilities, Uppercatchmentprotection, Droughttolerant crops, and

Scientificcrop management. In the design of urban water supply and sanitation the need to incorporate climate change measures is emphasised to manage storm flows and prevent contamination; furthermore increasing urban water use efficiency and water conservation are priorities. In relation to mining operations, protection and management of nearby water bodies is a priority. Regarding energy productions, the priorities are to undertake climate change related hydrological studies, to mapthehydropowerpotential,andtoconstructhydropowerplants. 2.5.3.4 State water legislation The existing State legislations, as indicated below, primarily cover the prevention and control of water pollution, collection of water cess fromindustriesandlocalauthorities,andcatchmentprotection. TheMeghalayaWater(PreventionandControl) Rules,1996 TheWaterPollution(ProcedureforTransaction) ofBusinessRules, 1975 TheWater(PreventionandControl of Pollution)CessAct, 1977 TheWater(Prevention& ControlofPollution)CessRules, 1978 MeghalayaProtectionofCatchmentAreas Act,1990 2.5.3.5 Other State policies OtherStatepoliciesandlawsofrelevance towatermanagement anduseinclude: The Meghalaya Mineral Policy Draft (2008)– specifies that mining operations must adhere to the legislation on water pollution prevention and control,address environmental concerns, and not compromise the health and wateraccess of communities.

The Tourism Policy of Meghalaya (2011) –highlights the importance of waterfor the tourism sector in Meghalaya, in relation to attractive landscapefeatures(rivers,waterfallsandvegetation) and thepotential for watersports. It also encourages hotel operators to reduce water consumption and harvestrainwater.

2.5.4 Interstate policy framework for shared water resource management

The Brahmaputra Master Plan is the overall plan for the Indian part of theBrahmaputra and Barak Basins in relation to the development and utilisation ofwater resources of for irrigation, hydropower, navigation and other purposes. Itisdividedintothreeparts: MasterPlan Part‐I: Main stem of Brahmaputra Master Plan Part‐II: Barakriver anditseightimportanttributaries MasterPlan Part‐III: Important tributaries of the Brahmaputra, Barak,

eight rivers of Tripura,and Majuli Island. Under Part‐III, individual master plans are made for each tributary

The Brahmaputra Board Act is the foundation for the Brahmaputra Board, which isresponsibleforthe MasterPlan.

2.5.5 Institutional framework for the water sector

2.5.6 Central government

The Ministry of Water Resources is responsible for national policy, guidelines and programs for the development and regulation of India's water resources, includingirrigationand inter‐basintransfers. This includes: Overall planning, policy formulation, coordination and guidance in the water resourcessector;

Clearance and monitoring of the irrigation, flood control and multi‐purpose projects(major/medium);

Technicalandresearch support for sectordevelopment; Financial assistancefor specificprojects,and Assistanceinobtaininginternationalfinance; Mediation in inter‐statedisputes; Operation ofthecentral network for flood forecasting; Negotiationswith neighbouringcountries. Institutions under the Ministry include: CentralWaterCommissionThis technical organisation is responsible for initiating, coordinating and furthering, in consultation with the State Governments, schemes for control, conservation and utilisation of water resources. This includes scheme design and construction (on behalf of National or State Governments), surveys, technical advice for State Governments on basin and scheme development,data collection and analysis, research and studies, capacity building, and to advisethe GovernmentofIndiawith regard toInter‐State water disputes.

TheBrahmaputraBoardThe Board is responsible for preparing the Brahmaputra Master Plan, which is submitted to the Central Government for approval. This includes preparing detailed project plans, to plan and construct multipurpose dams proposed inthe master plan, and when necessary to maintain and operate dams orprojects. The Board comprises representatives of the State Governments inNortheast India (including Meghalaya) and Central Government ministries anddepartments.

2.5.7 State government

2.5.7.1 Planning Department

The Planning Department of the Government of Meghalaya is the Nodal Department for all development activities of the Government. It functions as the liaison body between the national Planning Commission and national Ministriesand the State Government on all matters relating to planning and developmentfor Meghalaya. At the State level, the Planning Department coordinates alldevelopmentactivities ofdifferentDevelopment Departments.

                         

                                    

                                        

The Planning Department is responsible for overall strategy development and planning, including the formulation of the Five Year Plans and Annual Plans. The Department approvesthe plansof other departments. At the district level the District Planning and Development Councils formulate District Plans and monitors the development activities in the district. The Department is also the nodal Department handling inter‐sectoral issues relating toclimatechangeandsustainabledevelopment. 2.5.7.2 Department of Water Resources

The Department of Water Resources is to determine the State Water Policy, to enforce the Water Act and to plan and regulate water management, use and conservation,includingissuingpermitsfor waterusage. The Department of Water Resources is also to take the responsibility to resolve water disputes and assist local authorities and traditional bodies in managing waterresourcesandfulfilling the basicwater needsofcommunities. In practical terms, irrigation has so far been the main area of work of the Water ResourcesDepartment. 2.5.7.3 Meghalaya Basin Development Council and Meghalaya Basin Development

Authority The Meghalaya Basin Development Council and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority were established to implement the Integrated Basin Development andLivelihood Promotion Program. The program aims at promoting optimal andeffective development and utilisation of the State’s natural resources to ensure livelihood security and inclusive growth within the broad framework ofsustainable development and efficient conservation and preservation of natural resources, especially, water. This includes improving the capture of surfacewaterandimprovingrivergovernance. The Basin Development Council is headed by the Chief Minister to driveinitiatives with regardstopolicyplanning and coordination,innovation, resourcemobilization, and synergizing the efforts of various stakeholders. The councilincludestheChief ExecutiveMembersof AutonomousDistrictCouncils. The Basin Development Authority (BDA) steers the implementation of the programme and it is chaired by the Chief Secretary. The Authority includes the Principal Secretaries/Commissioners of water related Departments. Its purpose is to promote an integrated approach to basin development, bringing all relevant stakeholders togethertodojointplanning. 2.5.7.4 Meghalaya State Water Resources Council At present the responsibilities of water issues of the State are fragmented between different departments without any formal mechanism to ensure coordination. For multi‐sectoral water planning, planning of water development programs and projects, management decisions, inter‐sectoral water allocation, and resolution of water resources issues in total coordination of different departments and agencies, a

                              

                                                                     

                              

State Water Resources Board/Council, with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya as the Chairman, has been established.

2.5.7.5 Meghalaya State Water Resources AgencyThe Meghalaya State Water Resources Agency was established in connection with the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Program to ensure the protection and conservation of the water sources and the recharge ofground water. The agency would look into aspects of providing clean safe drinking water, Irrigation, Hydro power generation, protection of forest, issues related with industries and their effect on water bodies and similar other matters. The State Water Resources Development Agency will act as a technical secretariat of the State Water Resources Council.

2.5.7.6 Meghalaya State Council on Climate Change and Sustainable Development The Meghalaya State Council on Climate Change and Sustainable Developmentbecame operationon5 September 2011 under the Chairmanship of the ChiefMinister. Its purpose is to develop a coordinated response to climate changeissues, oversee the formulation of climate change action plans, monitor theimplementationofkeypolicydecisions,andtoapproveannualaction plans. 2.5.7.7 Soil and Water Conservation Department The Soil and Water Conservation Department is responsible for developing and implementing schemes projects to conserve soil, water and vegetation and to promote environmental awareness to ensure sustainable development. This includes erosion control, terracing, afforestation,water harvesting, and promoting sustainable land use andsoilmanagementpractices. 2.5.7.8 Department of Agriculture The Department of Agriculture is responsible for the promotion of diesel pumps, shallow tube wells, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Italsoengagesin watershed developmentprograms. 2.5.7.9 Department of Urban AffairsThe main objective of the Department of Urban Affairs is to ensure proper planning and management of urban areas, including slums, with emphasis onprovision of infrastructure and amenities, such as proper drinking water supplies, wastewater treatment and sanitation. The Shillong Municipal Board falls under the Urban Affairs Department and is responsible for services provisionin Shillong. 2.5.7.10 Public Health Engineering Department The Public Health Engineering Department is the primary department for supplying water to households; it undertakes all piping works and domesticwater sourcing. It is responsible for the construction of almost all rural water and sanitation infrastructure. Furthermore, the Department is responsible for operating urban drinking water schemes, e.g. in Shillong. The Department prioritises underground water as water supply source, but when undergroundwater supply is not feasible, the second choice is shallow wells. When surface water is used, water is treated, unless it originates from springs. The Department is also responsible for the implementation of the Community Led Total

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Sanitation (CLTS) of the National Total Sanitation Campaign in Meghalaya. InMeghalaya, CLTS has covered 86% ofthe districts. 2.5.7.11 Forest and Environment Department Theprimary functionsof the Forest and Environment Department are to manageand protect forests and protected areas. Hence, its main role in relation to water is to protect upper catchments and enforcing the Meghalaya Protection ofCatchment AreasAct. 2.5.7.12 Department of Fisheries The Department of Fisheries’ role is to develop aquaculture and to increase the areaofwaterbodies. 2.5.7.13 Public Works Department The Public Works Department was earlier responsible for the construction ofmedium scale irrigationschemes.This,however,isnow under the purview of the Water Resources department. The Public Works Department is also responsibleforcarrying outfloodprotectionandFloodControlWorks. 2.5.7.14 Program Implementation and Evaluation DepartmentThe Program Implementation and Evaluation Department is responsible for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of special development programs,includingwatersupplyschemes. 2.5.7.15 Community and Rural Development Department The Community and Rural Development Department is implementing different programs and schemes for economic and social development of people in rural areas. 2.5.7.16 Directorate of Tourism The Directorate of Tourism is responsible for the promotion of tourism, including the upgrading of tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, tourist spots, watersports,etc,. 2.5.7.17 Power DepartmentThe Power Department is responsible for the regulating and providing hydropower. Under the Department is the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited, a state‐owned corporation operating as an independent Agency, responsibleforconstructionandoperatinglargehydropowerschemes. 2.5.7.18 Department of Mining and Geology The Department of Mining and Geology is responsible for regulating the mining sectorandundertaking geologicalinvestigations. 2.5.7.19 Meghalaya State Pollution Control BoardThe Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is responsible for the prevention and control of water pollution, monitoring water quality both surface and groundwater. 2.5.8 District government and community level

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2.5.8.1 Autonomous District Councils The three Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya are vested with Legislative, Administrative, Executive and Judiciary powers in respect of tribalinterest. They receive grants from the State Government to take up ruraldevelopment programs in areas such as construction of drinking wells for ruralwatersupply. 2.5.8.2 District Water Resources CouncilsDistrict Water Resources Councils coordinate the management measures within each river basin district. They include representatives of public authorities, municipalities, traditional bodies and nongovernmental organizations. Theirfunctions include coordinating stakeholders; reviewing management plans and programmes; evaluating application for ground water exploitation/ drilling;carrying out economic analyses of water resources use; ensuring publicparticipation in management planning processes; coordinating program implementation; developing budget proposals for programs; cooperating withthe authorities of neighbouring river basin districts; and participating in waterstatus monitoring.They are also authorized to examine and clear water projects and Schemes proposed by different departments. Monitoring of Scheme constructionsis also to be carriedoutbythecouncils. The local Durbars and Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) are to have an important part in the implementation and operation of the Schemes in order that the Schemes shall be implemented as per their need and that there is no obstacle while implementing the Schemes and that the Schemes will provide the intended benefit to the beneficiaries.

Water Users’ Associations and the local bodies, such as District Councils, Municipalities and Headman/Nokmas/Dolloi should particularly be involved in the operation, maintenance and management of Water infrastructures/facilities at appropriate levels progressively, with a view to eventually transfer the management of such facilities to the user groups/local bodies/development partners. Capacity building for the different stakeholders which is very essential.

2.5.8.3 CommunitiesCommunities depend on water resources for domestic water and sanitation,agriculture, livestock, fisheries and other income generating activities. The Draft Meghalaya Water Act (2012) specifies the rights of communities to exercise theiraccess right to water resources, benefit from the management of water resources, play a role in water resource management planning and implementation, be compensated for damaged suffered in relation to water management, obtain information about and to declare objections against water management plans, and file complaints and claims. They also have the duty ofensuring that their water resources are conserved and protecting waterinfrastructure. 2.5.8.4 Traditional bodies

Traditional bodies in some rural areas are managing water resources, undertaking watershed or catchment areas development and taking up drinkingwatersupplyandminorirrigationconstructionworks. 2.5.8.5 Water Users Associations (WUAs) The State Government can authorise the formation of water users associations.Water users associations are participatory community organisations involved inthe planning, management, implementation, operation and maintenance, water allocation, collection of fees and conflict resolution in relation to water projects and schemes. They collaborate with local government, NGOs and local governing institutions,andself‐helpgroups. 2.5.8.6 Watershed CommitteesUnder the National Watershed Development Programme in Rain fed Areas,watershed committees were formed and registered as societies to manage natural resources, engage in sustainable agricultural development and conserve biodiversityinmicrowatersheds. 2.5.9 Private sector Private companies are contracted for constructing, operating and maintaining water supply structures. Small, medium, and large scale industries, mining operations, etc, involving in utilization of water and discharge of waste water. The private sector is anticipated to play an increasing role as Government graduallyshiftfromservice provision toaregulatory function. 2.5.10 Civil society and NGOsTherolesofcivil society andNon‐GovernmentalOrganisationsshall be to: Assistinempowering communities to havecommunitybasedwaterservicesandwaterresourcesmanagement in planning,implementation, operationandmaintenance;

Encourage communitiestomanage their water supplysystems, community dams and catchmentprotection;

Participateinthe provision and investmentinruralwatersuppliesandcommunity dam development consistentwiththeprevailingGovernmentpoliciesandguidelines onsuchinvestments;

Assistinmobilizationandsecuringfundingforruralandlowincomecommunitiesforwater andsanitation projects;

Assistincommunitysensitization on water,sanitation,catchment managementand conservation;

Liaisebetween rurallow‐income communities and Government/Donors andothercooperating partnersthrough LocalGovernments;

Assistintheprovisionofwater supplyandsanitationservices in ruralareasand tolow‐incomegroups within urban centres;

Collect,process,analyseanddisseminate relevantdata and informationto allstakeholderswithinthewatersectorinaccordancewithnationalstatisticsguidelinesandstandards;

ConsulttheWaterResourcesDepartment/PHEDepartmentonissuesrelated to waterand sanitationdevelopments;and

Ensurecompliance withnational policiesand regulationsgoverning waterandsanitationactivities.

2.5.11 Research institutionsTherolesofresearchinstitutionsshallbeto: Conductingcomprehensiveresearchandstudiestoestablishsurface andgroundwaterresourcespotential toguidemanagement and development oftheresources;

Determiningtheminimumallowabledistancefromagroundwatersource to pitlatrinesandothersimilarwastedisposal facilitiesas wellasfromonesource toanotheronacase‐by‐casebasisdependingon the type ofaquifer;

Promotingappliedresearch insurfaceandgroundwater developmentto determineaffordable andappropriatetechnologies;

Undertakingand promotingresearchinwaterqualityandpollution control techniquesand technologies.

Provideresearch inwater‐related health issues; Conductresearch,developand promotelocalmanufacturingcapacityfor waterandsanitationrelatedservices;

Collect,process,analyseanddisseminate relevantdata and informationto allstakeholderswithinthewatersectorinaccordancewithnationalstatisticsguidelinesandstandards;

Localuniversitiesand otherlocaltraininginstitutionsshall promote research andundertake capacity buildinginthewaterandsanitation fields.

2.6 Water resource management

2.6.1 Water availability and quality

The annual availability of surface water in Meghalaya is roughly estimated at63.204 billion cubic metres and the estimated replenishable ground waterresources are 1.15 billion cubic metres (source: Department of Water Resourceswebsite).According to the Central Ground Water Board, 1.04 billion cubic metresof ground water are potentially available for utilisation. The state has 8400 ha ofreservoirsand3734 ha ofponds andtanks. 2.6.2 Different water uses and potentialsThe major consumptive uses of water in Meghalaya are irrigation and householdand industrial water supply, with irrigation being the main consumer. Annualdomestic and industrial water requirements up to year 2025 are estimated as0.096 billion cubic meters as per census 2001, and 1.014 billion cubic metres ofground water can be utilised for irrigation (source: Central Ground Water Board:Aquifer Systems of Meghalaya).According to the Central Ground Water Board,18% of the available groundwater is currently being utilised and there is thus ample potential for further increasing the exploitation of ground water.However, ground water stress is building up in urban areas due to water extraction for domestic purposes. Therefore, to protect exploitation of groundwaterthefollowingactions needtobetaken:‐

There should be a periodical reassessment of the ground water potential on a scientific basis, taking into consideration the quality of wateravailableandeconomicviabilityofitsextraction.

Exploitation of ground water resources should be so regulated as not to exceed the recharging possibilities, as also to ensure social equity.The detrimental environmental consequences of overexploitation of ground water need to be effectively prevented by the Central andState Governments. Ground water recharge projects should bedeveloped and implemented for improving both the quality andavailabilityofground waterresource.

Integratedand coordinated development of surface water and groundwater resources and their conjunctive use, should be envisaged rightfrom the project planning stage and should form an integral part of theproject implementation.

2.6.2.1 Water supply and sanitation

The majority of households have access to safe drinking water, but theproportionofhouseholdswithtap waterconnectionsremainslow,except inEastKhasi hills. Under Rural Drinking Water Supply, as of April 2011, 5041 nos. of habitations have been fully covered (54 %) while 4285 nos. of habitations have been partially covered (45 %) both in terms of coverage and per capita availability, out of a total of 9326 nos. Habitations in the state. Provision of safe drinkingwater supply to the remaining Partially Covered Habitations, including other Newly Identified Partially Covered Habitations (slipped back from fully covered category due to various reasons including drying up of sources etc.)will be taken up as per the guidelines of Govt. of India during the 12th Plan period. As of April2011, there existed 102 nos. of Iron Affected Habitations in the State. Steps would also be taken for covering the Iron affected habitations and any newly identified water quality problem for habitations during the 12th Plan period. The Main Thrust of the Department in the Rural Water Supply Sector during the 12thPlan period would be to cover all the remaining Partially Covered Habitations as wellas QualityAffectedHabitationswith 40Lpcd of potablesafe water. Water related diseases are those which are caused by pathogens or chemicalswhere water acts as a conveyance or medium. For example, microbes and arsenic present in water cause cholera and arsenicosis respectively to human being. Water related diseases are divided into infectious diseases (biological – bacteria, virus, worms etc) and non‐infectious diseases (chemicals – arsenic,fluorosis, nitrates etc). Water related diseases are essentially environmentalhealth related issues, as these are linked with polluted water, sanitation andhygieneandthesethree areintertwineddeterminants. 2.6.2.2 Agriculture

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihoods in Meghalaya. Some 80% of thepopulation depend on agriculture. While the cultivated area at any given timeonly comprises around 10% of the land area, a significant proportion of the open

forest is the fallow part of the jhum agricultural rotation cycle (source: Department of Agriculture’s website). In spite of the abundant water availability,the state is deficit in food grains by 122,000 tonnes annually, and population growthwillfurtherincrease thisdeficit,unlessproductionis increased. By volume, agriculture is by far the major water consumer in Meghalaya. The bulk of agriculture in the State is rain fed; only 18.5% of the cultivated area isirrigated. Thus, there is potential to increase agricultural productivity through both increasing the area under surface water irrigation and improving water management inrain fed farming systems. 2.6.2.3 FisheriesThe actual achievement of fish production during the 11th Plan period was21,413 Metric tonnes and the number of fish seeds produced was 9.46 million. There is a huge demand‐supply gap in the production of fish and the State has toadopt a mission mode approach to bridge the gap as soon as possible (source:TwelfthFiveYearPlan–2007‐2012). 2.6.2.4 Energy/hydropower

The hydropower potential of Meghalaya is large. In 2011, the installed capacity was 272.70 MW (source: Twelfth Five Year Plan – 2007‐2012), so there is still much potential to further expand hydropower production. The State Government plans to increase the production capacity to 1400‐1530 MW. 4425 villages (77%) were electrified by the beginning of 2012 (source: Twelfth Five YearPlan– 2007‐2012). 2.6.2.5 Mining

While water is used in mining operations, the main related water concerns in the State are widespread pollution of streams and rivers through mining operations which results in environmental damage, e.g. to biodiversity, and health hazards forpeople livingnearthemininganddownstreamareas. 2.6.2.6 Industry

The level of industrial production in Meghalaya is currently low, but as itexpands, the need for water will increase, and so will the volume of wastewater discharged. Waste water should be managed to prevent contamination and for reuseandrecycling.

2.6.2.7 Tourism and recreation

The number of tourists visiting Meghalaya is increasing, and the StateGovernment plans to further develop this sector. While the sector needsdomestic water, its primary role in the water sector is non‐consumptive water use. The major tourist attraction in Meghalaya is the natural beauty, such as waterfalls, rivers and lush vegetation, which is closely linked to the abundant waterresources.

2.6.2.8 Transport

Inland water transport in Meghalaya is limited, due to the terrain. It mainly takes place in the low lying areas of the State near the border with Assam and Bangladesh. 2.7 Challenges

Further development of the water sector in Meghalaya has to address a number of challenges in the context of poverty, population growth, environmentaldegradation and climate change. These concerns need to be addressed on thebasisofsoundandwell‐aligned policies and effective strategies. 2.7.1 Increasing and competing demands for water

The demand for water will increase significantly as a result of both high population growth and significant economic growth. Given the needs for water for multiple purposes, the competition for water is likely to increase in the future. Growth processes and the expansion of economic activities inevitably lead to increasing demands for water for diverse purposes: domestic water supply, agricultural,industrial,hydropower,transport, recreationetc. The drinking water needs of people and livestock have gone up. Water demands for production of food grains have also increased substantially. Furthermore, the water demand (e.g. for domestic water consumption, irrigation water, water for livestock) in rural areas is also expected to increase sharply as the development programmes improve economic conditions of the rural areas. Demand for water for hydro and thermal power generation and for other industrialusesisalsoincreasingsubstantially. As a result, water, which is already a scare resource, will become even scarcer infuture. This underscores the need for the utmost efficiency in water utilization and a public awareness of the importance of its conservation. Complex issues of equity and social justice in regard to water distribution also need to be addressed, to ensure that the water rights and needs of the poor and vulnerable arerespected. 2.7.2 Water pollution

Although the industrial development of the state is still low, pollution of surface water from discharges of domestic waste, due to the absence of proper sewerage systems, and unregulated, unscientific and often illegal mining activities (especially for coal and lime stone) are creating difficulties for meeting the increasing drinkingwater andirrigationwaterdemands. 2.7.3 Land degradation

Due to the high rainfall and hilly terrain, soil and vegetative cover are prone to erosion. Deforestation and inadequate land management practices such as cultivation on steep slopes in upper catchments, has led to erosion, flash floods, silting of water bodies, soil degradation, and the emergence of wastelands.Furthermore, irrigated agricultural lands are in some places degraded by water loggingandsalinisation. 2.7.4 Biodiversity

With the increasing demand for water, there is an increased risk of over‐extraction, which could deprive ecosystems of their ecological water needs.Water pollution and disruptions to hydrological cycles caused by dams, siltationand changes in water levels in the dry and wet seasons are other threats to aquaticandwetlandbiodiversity. 2.7.5 Floods and Drought

Floods, which were mostly unheard of in the past, have now begun to affect a significant population in certain areas of Meghalaya and causing damage to crops, houses, road and bridges. Initially, 0.02 million ha were flood prone area in the state, on an average. But this area has now increased to around 0.6 million ha per year (source: the World Bank). The increased occurrence of floods is related to the deforestation of upper catchments, which reduces the water retentioncapacity and increases surfacerunoffduringthemonsoon. With the highly uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water in the State,some areas experience drought during the dry season. The occurrence ofdrought has increased, one reason being deforestation. Climate change and theassociated temperature changes, erratic rainfalls, and increased magnitude andfrequency of extreme weather events will further increase the occurrence of floodsand drought.

2.7.6 Institutional setup and coordination

The water sector in Meghalaya is characterised by a complex institutional setupwith several government institutions at the national, state and local levels each being responsible for different areas of water management. Furthermore, the private sector, civil society and communities have roles, rights and obligations inthe sector. The complexity and somewhat overlapping mandates in the current institutional setup, e.g. in relation to irrigation, are creating challenges for ensuringacoordinatedandintegrated approachtothe sector. 2.7.7 Institutional capacity

Different problems and weaknesses have adversely affected some of the water sector projects in the State of Meghalaya. There have been substantial time andcost overruns on certain projects.Furthermore, maintenance of existing schemesisinsufficient. 2.7.8 Financial viability

   

It is desirable to align financing of service augmentation and operation and maintenance of schemes with reforms like recovery of user charges, maintenance of accounts at GP level, reduction of water wastage, protection ofdrinking water sources etc. so that investments are linked to service outcomes, i.e.,theyare performancebased. Financingshould notbea one‐time grant. Watersecurity planning requires annual investments in new schemes and works,operation and maintenance, replacement and expansion as well as support activities likewaterqualitytesting andIEC. Statesshouldestablishclear Policies for Operation and Maintenance including service standards and costrecovery, and may like to ensure that their policy on cost recovery provides SC,ST and BPLhouseholdswith appropriatesubsidiesin user fees. 2.7.9 Data availability and Information system

Limited availability of quality data on water resources, hydrology and climate, especially at the local level, are posing challenges to making informed and economically, environmentally and socially appropriate decisions and plans for resources utilisation, investments and management arrangementsinthewatersector. A well developed information system, for water related data in its entirety, at the national/state level, is a prime requisite for resource planning. Astandardized information system should be established with a network of data banks and data bases, integrating and strengthening the existing Central and State level agencies and improving the quality of data and the processing capabilities. Standards for coding, classification, processing of data and methods/procedures for its collection should be adopted. Advanced information technology must be introduced to create a modern information system promoting free exchange of data among various agencies. Special efforts should be made to develop and continuously upgrade technologicalcapability to collect, process and disseminatereliable data in the desired time frame. Apart from the data regarding water availability and actual water use, thesystem should also include comprehensive and reliable projections of future demandsof water fordiversepurposes.

3. Policy targets

3.1 VisionThevision oftheStateWaterPolicy of Meghalayaistomake everysubjectofthe Statewater‐securedon asustainablebasis. 3.1.1 Principles

This Policyisbased onthe followingprinciples:

Right to basic water principle: Access to safe and adequate water to meet basic human needs is a fundamental right of all people without discrimination. The supply of drinking water must be given the highest priority, overany other use.

Sustainability principle: Fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource, essential to sustain life, development and the environment. As such, itsavailability and quality must be ensured over time, and social and economicdevelopment must be balanced with the protection of natural ecosystems.Minimum ecological water needs must be given higher priority than otheruses, exceptdrinking water.

Precautionary principle: Measures must be taken to prevent the risk ofserious and irreversible damage of any activities that potentially may negativelyaffectthe integrityofwater resources.

Value of water principle: Water has an economic and social value in all its competing uses and is recognized as an economic good. Meeting social water needs is a priority. The price of water should approach its economic value, to achievefull costrecoveryover timeand ensure servicesarefinanciallyviable.

Fairness principle: All people must be treated equally in access to drinking water. Water resources mustbe allocated and managed equitably.

Solidarity principle: All citizens are obliged to contribute to the solution ofcommon water related problems. To ensure social cohesion, the recurrent costs of public water service will be distributed so to ensure access to water for poor and vulnerable people and the most disadvantaged areas. When water uses are in conflict, the greatest common good to society will be given priority.

Responsibility principle: Water users and public authorities have the shared responsibility of maintaining the integrity of water resources. Hence, the "polluter pays" concept is to be adopted to curb uncontrolled discharge ofpollutants.

Peaceful conflict resolution principle: Water related conflicts will be resolved peacefullythrough appropriate mechanisms.

Subsidiarity principle: The responsibility for decision‐making is to be allocated tothe lowest appropriatelevel.

Inclusive and gender‐sensitive participation principle: All stakeholders must be given the opportunity to participate in water management, involvingusers, planners and policy‐makers at all levels. Special attention must begiven to ensure that women and vulnerable groups such as scheduled tribesandcastes aresufficientlyempowered toparticipateactively.

Basin management principle: The basic unit for water resource management is the river basin or sub‐basin, using an integrated water resource management approach,where different uses of water resources and their effect of each other will be taken into account and balanced against the water availability. Water resource planning will be coordinated with land use planning.

Interstate and international cooperation principle: Cooperation isneeded to ensure thatboth upstream and downstream users in basins sharedwith Assam and Bangladesh benefit adequately from the water resources.Interstate cooperation with Assam, inter‐basin water transfers to states

outside Meghalaya and international cooperation with Bangladesh will takeplaceinaccordancewith the provisionsof the Governmentof India.

3.1.2 Objectives

The overall objective of the Meghalaya Water Policy is to “ensure that water is used efficiently, shared equitably, managed sustainably, governed transparently andcontributingtoimprovingthehealthand livelihoodsofall citizens”. To attain this, the Water Policy aims at ensuring that appropriate systems and measure are inplace tobalance thefollowing specificobjectives: Meeting the basic water and sanitation needs so that all inhabitants of the Statecanlivehealthy lives,

Effectively harnessing water resources for economic development and for ensuringthelivelihoodsandincomesofall inhabitantsofthe State,

Ensuring that water resources are protected, maintained, improved and utilisedsustainably,sothatfuturegenerations canenjoythem,

Ensuring that ecosystem integrity and land productivity is maintained and minimum ecologicalwater requirementsare met,

Enhancingtheresiliencetodisastersandtheimpactsofclimatechange, Ensuring good governance, transparency, inclusion, equity and participation in the water resourceplanningand management.

3.2 Strategic orientation

3.2.1 Water resource management

With continued rapidly growing water demands for a range of purposes, water resources are increasingly becoming scarce and of deteriorating quality. Past management practices sectoral perspective with insufficient coordination and dialogue has resulted in non‐optimal and unsustainable use of water resources. Therefore, an integrated water resource management approach shall be taken. This implies that all water demands and uses are taken into account and allstakeholders participate in the planning and management of the water resource. Water resources development and management shall be planned for hydrological units such as entire drainage basins or sub‐basins through a multi‐sectoral approach, taking into account surface and ground water for sustainableuse incorporating quantity and quality aspects as well as environmentalconsiderations. The State Government will define State water zoning to govern and regulate all economic activitiestaking water resourceintegrity intoconcern. Principles

Themain principlesforwaterresourcemanagement are: Fresh water is an essential, but finite and vulnerable resource, so there is a need tobalanceits multipleuses.

The planning unit for water resource management is the river basin or sub‐basin.

Water resource management will integrate development with environmentalmanagement to maintain the quantity, quality and integrity of water resources.

Waterresources planningwillbe coordinated withlanduseplanning. A participatoryapproach willbeused. All economic development and activities shall be planned with due regard to theconstraintsimposedby the water availability.

All economic activities shall be guided and regulated in accordance with thewaterzoningstipulatedby the StateGovernment.

All individual development projects and proposals shall be formulated and consideredwithintheframework ofbasin andsub‐basinplans.

Waterallocationprioritiesarebroadlydefinedasfollows: ‐ Drinking waterEcology ‐ Irrigation‐ Hydropower‐ Agro‐industriesandnon‐agriculturalindustries ‐ TransportandotherusesHowever, the priorities may be modified or added if warranted by the area/regiononthebasis ofspecific relevantconsiderations.

Water transfer including inter‐basin transfers to water short areas will beguided by a State perspective, after taking into account the requirements oftheareas/basinsfromwherethewateroriginates.

Water sharing/distribution amongst the states will be guided by a Nationalperspective with due regard to water resources availability and need withintheriverbasin.

International/transboundary water management will be handled by the CentralGovernment

Objectives

Thekeypolicy objectivesare to: Ensure exploitation, utilisation and management of water resources is equitable

Achieve environmentally sustainable management of water resources and protectecosystems

Ensure efficient and optimal utilisation of available water resources to the maximumpossible extent

Ensure efficient integrated basin‐wide water management plans are developed andimplemented

Safeguard Meghalaya’sinterestinthewater resourcesof shared riverbasins Policy measures and actions

To adopt water resources planning as a cross‐cutting basic component of State economic planning;

To elaborate a State Action Plan for Integrated water Resource Management, definingoptionsforitsimplementationandstakeholderparticipation.

To elaborate a waterzoning oftheState.

To carry out economic analyses of characteristics of each river basin district andreviewtheenvironmentalimpactofhuman activity.

To elaborate for all major basins and sub‐basins in Meghalaya five‐year basin management plans through a participatory process, where water resources and future water demands are assessed and structural and non‐structural measures are defined to balance resources and demands with duerecognition ofecological minimum requirements.

To implement the established StateAction Plan and basinmanagement plans. To developguidelinesforinter‐basinwater transfers. To promote the development of inter‐state water transfer guidelines, includingforwatershortstates outside theBrahmaputra basin.

To advocate for a review and amendment of the Inter‐State Water DisputesAct of 1956 to ensure timely adjudication of water disputes referred to theTribunal.

Institutions

The Department of Water Resources has the responsibility for leading and coordinating the planning and implementation of State level actions, involving the relevant State Departments, private sector and civil society apexorganisationsand researchinstitutions.Itwillalso provideadvisoryand guidance for the development of basin management plans, and conduct a technicalreview ofthesebefore theyaresubmittedforapproval.

The Planning Commission will support the development of the State Action Plan and endorse it for submission to the State Assembly for approval. It willalso ensure alignment and integration of the State Action Plan with the Five Year Plans and Vision 2030.The Planning Commission will approve basinmanagement plans.

The Soil and Water Conservation Department will support the inclusion ofsustainable management practices and infrastructure in upper catchments inbasin plans.

The Public Health Engineering Department will support the domestic water supply and managementandsanitation plans.

The Forest and Environment Department will support the protection ofuppercatchments inbasinplans.

The DistrictWaterResources Councilswill leadand coordinate theprocessof elaborating basin management plans, involving relevant district levelstakeholders from district government, private sector, civil society, and communities.

Autonomous District Councils will endorse basin management plans, before they are submitted tothePlanning Commission forapproval.

3.2.2 Rural water supply and sanitation

Access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services is essential for a healthy life, and thus for social development and poverty alleviation. The ultimate goal istherefore universal coverage of improved rural water and sanitation services. Sanitation is a basic requirement for public health and to combat water borne diseases. However, sanitation coverage lacks behind water supply coverage, so

an integrated approach to the provision of both is necessary, with particularattention to the latter. Furthermore, good health requires good hygienicstandards and behaviour, so water and sanitation services must include hygieneeducation and promotion in rural areas. Experience has shown that communityownership of rural water and sanitation services is important for their sustainability, and entails effective community participation in the planning, implementationandmanagementofthewaterandsanitationfacilities. Principles

Themain principlesforrural watersupply andsanitationare: Access to safe and adequate water to meet basic human needs is a fundamentalrightofall peoplewithoutdiscrimination.

Drinking water needs of human beings and animals shall be the first charge on any availablewater.

Irrigation and multipurpose projects shall invariably include a drinking water and sanitation component, wherever there is no alternative source ofdrinkingwater andsanitationservices.

Provision of rural water services includes the provision/integration ofimprovedsanitationandhygiene education.

Ruralsanitationincludeson‐siteanddrysanitation. Rural water and sanitation services must be inclusive, protect the specific needs and roles of women, children and persons with disabilities, and activelyinvolve women in decision‐making.

Rural water and sanitation interventions must be demand lead andparticipatory,toensurecommunityownershipand sustainability.

The selection of technology must be governed by its affordability andsuitability for local conditions, with health and environmental concerns adequately addressed.

Objectives

Thekeypolicy objectivesare to: Provide adequate safe, equitable and affordable drinking water and sanitation to the entire population in rural areas, including the poor and vulnerablegroups.

Maximise health benefits by integrating water supply, sanitation and hygieneeducation.

Reducethe occurrenceofwater‐bornediseases(malaria, cholera,diarrhoea). Ensurethe long‐termsustainabilityofwaterandsanitationservices. Ensure effective community ownership and management of small‐scale rural waterandsanitationfacilities.

Ensure active participation of women and vulnerable groups and empower themto takechargeof waterandsanitationissues.

Enhance coverage and resilience of water and sanitation services by promoting combined utilisation of available water resources, such as groundwater,surfacewaterandrainwater.

Introducethatwater shouldbepaidforonacostrecovery basis

Policy measures and actions

To adopt demand led, community‐based and participatory methods in supplyscheme planning, technology choosing, implementation, management, operationandmaintenance, includingcapacitybuildingofcommunities.

To include sanitation services and hygiene education in existing rural water supply schemes.

To develop guidelines and regulations for integration of water supply, sanitation andhygiene promotioninnewschemes.

To introduce a cost recovery tariff system based on transparent tariff setting criteria

To introduce options for professional management for rural water supply andsanitation(communitybased)

To develop a methodology and implement appropriate measures to rehabilitate water supply schemes in iron affected and coal mining areas to ensuresafe drinkingwater toaffected communities.

To develop and implement guidelines on gender‐sensitive and inclusive planning, implementation and management of water and sanitation services,including empowerment of, and capacity building, for women

To expand waterand sanitation servicecoverageinschools. To implement demonstration and test supply schemes with rainwaterharvesting,includingrainwater harvestingatthehouseholdlevel.

Enhance coordination between institutions responsible for water supply and sanitation servicesand healthservices.

To gradually transfer the responsibility of service delivery from government to the privatesector and communities.

Institutions The Community and Rural Development Department will lead the development of guidelines and approaches to community participation and inclusion. The Department will also lead the promotion of integration ofwater,sanitation,aswell asthecoordinationwith healthservices.

The Public Health Engineering Department will lead the development and testing of technical guidelines and technologies. The Department will also lead hygieneeducation.Furthermore,theDepartmentwillleadthe expansion of services coverageinschools.

The Autonomous District Council will be responsible for rolling out and implementation of the guidelines and approaches of the Policy at the local level, and ensure the mobilisation of all local stakeholders, including district government,communities,private sector,and civilsociety.

District government will regulate local level activities and coordinate scheme planning and construction.

Communities will participate in scheme planning and assume responsibilityforoperationandmaintenanceof smallschemes.

The Private sector will be responsible for the provision of supplies and the operationandmaintenance ofmediumscaleschemes.

3.2.3 Urban water supply, waste water and sanitation

Urbanisation and overall population growth means that the population in urban centres is rapidly increasing, posing challenges to meet the demands fordomestic and sanitation and ensuring full coverage. Among the urban poor in slums, water can be a critical resource in short supply and sanitation services insufficient or absent. Additionally, the urban centres are the focus of industrialand commercial activities, many of which rely on water supplies for efficient production. Urban water services include the provision of safe and cleandrinking water, sewerage collection, and transport and treatment of household and industrial effluent. The participation of consumers in water management is important, particularly in peri‐urban areas with stand post supply, to ensure their sustainable operation. Principles

Themain principlesforurbanwatersupplyandsanitationare: Access to safe and adequate water to meet basic human needs is a fundamentalrightofall peoplewithoutdiscrimination.

Drinking water needs of human beings and animals shall be the first charge on any availablewater.

Provision of urban water services includes the provision of safe and clean drinking water, sewerage collection, transport and treatment of householdandindustrialeffluent, andhygiene education/promotion.

Urban water and sanitation services must be pro‐poor, inclusive, protect thespecific needs and roles of women, children and persons with disabilities, andactively involvewomenindecision‐making.

Urban water and sanitation interventions must be participatory, especially inrelation tostandpostsupply.

Urban water and sanitation schemes shall be designed to accommodate all users, including domestic consumers, public services, commerce, industries andtourism.

The selection of technology must be governed by its affordability andsuitability for local conditions, with health and environmental concerns adequately addressed.

Participation of private sector in construction, operation, maintenance, and financingof water andsanitationservices.

The expansion of the water and sanitation services shall be consistent with approved urbandevelopment plans.

Regulation and infrastructure planning will be separated from construction, service provision,operationand maintenance ofurbanwatersupplysystems.

Effluents willbetreated and recycled. Objectives

Thekeypolicy objectivesare to: Provide adequate safe, equitable and affordable drinking water and sanitation to the entire population in urban and peri‐urban areas, including thepoor andvulnerable groups.

Reducethe occurrenceofwater‐bornediseases(malaria, cholera,diarrhoea). Ensurethe long‐termsustainabilityofwaterandsanitationservices.

Ensure effective user ownersh