Meghalaya State Water Policy 2019.

The objective of this Policy is to achieve sustainable development, management and use of Meghalaya’s water resources with community participation to improve health and livelihoods, reduce vulnerability, while assuring good governance for the present and future generations by promoting Integrated Water Resources Management. It states the priorities for water allocation as follows: (i) Drinking water, sanitation and other domestic needs; (ii) Minimum ecological needs; (iii) Irrigation/Agriculture; (iv) Hydropower generation; (v) Economic activities / Industrial Use / Fisheries; and (vi) Other usages. The Policy promotes community and other stakeholders participation in planning and management of water resources. It states that actions will be taken to conserve and rejuvenate existing rivers, springs, reservoirs and to maintain their water quality and flow rate especially during the lean period. Recycle and reuse of water, after treatment to specified standards and water saving mechanism in irrigation systems would also be encouraged.
Further, the Policy states Payment for Environmental Services (PES) would be adopted which would be based on “beneficiary pays principle”. It provides for Climate Change Adaptation through risk assessment and mitigation by proper project planning, monitoring and enhancing the capabilities of community to adopt climate resilient technological options. Revival of traditional water harvesting structures, springs and water bodies will be promoted. Rain Water Harvesting with ground water recharge mechanism will be made mandatory. The Policy envisages Flood and Drought Management through flood forecasting and warning systems and other effective measures. The Policy provides for water quality monitoring and adoption of Polluter pays concept. Participation of Water Users Associations in management of Irrigation projects will be encouraged.