Meghalaya’s paradox: too much rain, too little water
The article highlights the paradox of acute water scarcity in Meghalaya's Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram, despite these regions receiving some of the world's highest rainfall. This crisis is attributed to changing rainfall patterns (shorter, sharper bursts, overall decline linked to rising sea-surface temperatures and deforestation), unique geology (limestone plateau leading to rapid drainage), and critically, a severe lack of water management infrastructure and governance failures. The State has historically not invested in water harvesting, storage, and distribution, exacerbated by issues like catchment degradation from quarrying and poor implementation of schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission. The crisis disproportionately affects women and children and is seen as an 'existential crisis' demanding urgent policy and political follow-through.
The article highlights the paradox of acute water scarcity in Meghalaya's Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram, despite these regions receiving some of the world's highest rainfall. This crisis is attributed to changing rainfall patterns (shorter, sharper bursts, overall decline linked to rising sea-surface temperatures and deforestation), unique geology (limestone plateau leading to rapid drainage), and critically, a severe lack of water management infrastructure and governance failures. The State has historically not invested in water harvesting, storage, and distribution, exacerbated by issues like catchment degradation from quarrying and poor implementation of schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission. The crisis disproportionately affects women and children and is seen as an 'existential crisis' demanding urgent policy and political follow-through.
Exam linkage
GS Paper 1: Physical Geography (Indian Monsoon, Climate, Biogeography), Social Issues (impact on vulnerable populations). GS Paper 2: Governance (Welfare Schemes, Policy Implementation, Centre-State relations). GS Paper 3: Environment & Ecology (Climate Change, Water Management, Conservation, Environmental Degradation).
Syllabus mapping
This topic appears in Mains
Questions on Environment & Ecology come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.
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