Meghalaya Becomes First State to Have Water Policy

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “Policy intends to achieve sustainable development and the use of water resources with community participation. Issues such as the protection of catchment areas and river pollution have also been outlined in it.”

He said the water policy has been drafted in consultation with experts in water conservation and protection of water bodies. The policy will address issues like water usages, issues of conservation and protection of water sources in the state.

Tynsong said the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma discussed the draft policy at length before approving it. “All issues related to the utilization of water and livelihood and how to preserve water bodies have been outlined in this policy including community participation in the implementation of this policy by constituting a water sanitation village council at the village level,” he said.