Shillong, June 23: The Meghalaya government has intensified its preparedness measures to tackle the potential impacts of a predicted El Niño event, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma chairing a meeting of the Meghalaya Climate Council at the State Guest House in Taraghar on Tuesday.
The meeting brought together officials from key government departments, technical experts, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, Public Health Engineering Department, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, and other stakeholders to review preparedness plans and formulate response strategies.
The meeting was convened following forecasts indicating the possible development of El Niño conditions, a climate phenomenon linked to warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean that can disrupt weather patterns globally. In India, El Niño is often associated with erratic monsoon behaviour, reduced rainfall, prolonged dry spells and stress on agriculture and water resources.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of proactive planning to minimise the impact of any extreme weather conditions arising from El Niño-related climatic variations. He said that while the exact impact on Meghalaya remains uncertain, the State must prepare in advance rather than react after adverse conditions emerge.
Presentations before the Council highlighted that changing climate patterns and rising sea surface temperatures could affect rainfall distribution, agriculture, water resources, public health, disaster management and livelihoods. Officials noted that extensive mapping and vulnerability assessments have already been carried out to identify priority areas, particularly in relation to water security.
Sangma directed all departments to convert preparedness plans into actionable measures with clear responsibilities and timelines, stating that the Meghalaya Climate Council would serve as the central platform for coordinating preparedness efforts and monitoring potential impacts across sectors.
Water security emerged as a key focus area during the discussions. The meeting reviewed measures such as desiltation and restoration of ponds and reservoirs, construction of new water-harvesting structures, expansion of water storage facilities, groundwater recharge initiatives, catchment area protection and watershed management programmes. The Chief Minister called for faster implementation of ongoing soil and water conservation projects and urged departments to identify practical interventions that can be executed within the next six to twelve months.
To strengthen community preparedness, Sangma advocated district-level awareness campaigns involving local institutions, village bodies, self-help groups and community organisations. He said preparedness efforts should evolve into a people’s movement, encouraging active participation in water conservation and climate resilience initiatives.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department informed the Council that district-level contingency plans are already in place and sowing activities across the State are progressing normally. Officials said adequate seeds and planting materials are being supplied while preparations are underway to promote short-duration crop varieties, efficient water management practices and wider crop insurance coverage. The department also highlighted initiatives to expand natural farming and strengthen support systems for farmers in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Minister directed the department to ensure timely availability of agricultural inputs and improve outreach efforts to help farmers prepare for any climatic disruptions. He also emphasised the need to strengthen irrigation support and explore greater use of solar-powered pumping systems.
Officials from the IMD briefed the meeting on current weather forecasts, rainfall trends and early warning systems. While noting that strong El Niño events have not always resulted in adverse outcomes for Meghalaya, they underscored the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness. Sangma instructed departments to strengthen dissemination of weather advisories and early warning information through social media, local communication channels and community networks.
The Public Health Engineering Department presented contingency plans for drinking water supply management, including monitoring critical water sources, deploying water tankers during emergencies and ensuring water quality management in the event of prolonged dry spells. Discussions also focused on strengthening district-level coordination and emergency response mechanisms.
The Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department informed the Council that advance stocking of food grains and essential commodities is being undertaken to ensure food security in the event of supply disruptions. Officials said price monitoring systems would also be strengthened to prevent shortages and abnormal price fluctuations.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of forests, sacred groves and ecosystem-based approaches in enhancing climate resilience. Officials informed the Council that efforts are underway to expand Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiatives focused on water security, catchment protection and conservation of natural resources. The Chief Minister noted that healthy forest ecosystems act as natural buffers against both excessive rainfall and prolonged dry periods.
Concluding the meeting, Sangma reiterated that preparedness remains Meghalaya’s strongest defence against climate-related uncertainties and called for collective action by government departments, institutions and communities to safeguard water resources, agriculture, livelihoods and public welfare.
