The Northeast is reeling under the scorching sun, grappling with a severe water crisis.
Both Meghalaya and Nagaland, once considered a wet zone, today, however, are heavily reliant on monsoons, and are witnessing the brunt of failing rains and a changing climate.
In Nagaland's capital Kohima, the PHED Urban Division recently issued a statement acknowledging the water shortage.
Citing dry spells and their impact on spring sources, the department urged residents for cooperation and patience.
Spring sources, dependent on natural rainfall patterns, are particularly vulnerable during extended dry periods.
Meghalaya is facing a similar situation, albeit with a sharper edge.
The state, known for its abundant rainfall, has seen a 15% decline in precipitation over the past five years, according to research by Baniateilang Majaw.
This alarming trend coincides with a growing demand for potable water, creating a perfect storm of scarcity.
Experts point to a multi-pronged crisis like climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable water management practices are all significant contributors.
The decline in water availability is most acutely felt in urban areas like Shillong, the state capital.
Here, residents are forced to ration water, with some resorting to purchasing supplies from tankers. However, for many, this luxury is out of reach.
The desperate seek alternatives in local streams and rivulets, often lacking proper effluent treatment, raising hygiene concerns.
Sohra, once the world's wettest place, exemplifies the dramatic shift. In 1861, it received a staggering 22,987mm of annual rainfall.
Today, that figure has shrunk by more than half, with the Indian Meteorological Department recording a mere 11,359.4mm.
The crisis isn't solely driven by ecological factors. Research by Bankerlang Kharmylliem at IIT Guwahati highlights operational inefficiencies within the Public Health Engineering Department.
A staggering 20.5% of water is lost before reaching consumers during treatment and transmission processes.
Furthermore, unaccounted-for water wastage, exceeding 50%, exacerbates the situation.
Both Nagaland and Meghalaya are scrambling for solutions.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma convened a meeting with officials to discuss the issue on Wednesday, while the PHED in Nagaland pledged to continue serving the public to the best of its ability.
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