INDIA@COP22 REJUVINATION OF SPRINGS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENT DEVELOPMENT IN MEGHALAYA: A PROJECT UNDER NATIONAL ADAPTATION FUND FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (NAFCC) Dr Subhash Ashutosh Addl PCCF & Dy CEO (MBDA) Government of Meghalaya Sustainable Lifestyle = Positive Climate Action www.indiaatcop22.org

INDIA@COP22 Meghalaya A forest rich (77%), mega-biodiversity, high-rainfall, hilly, tribal State in northeast India Profile Male Female Total Literacy 76 % 73 % 74 % No. of Literates 9,13,879 8,71,126 17,85,005 Population (0-6 age) 2,88,646 2,79,890 5,68,536 Total population 14,91,832 14,75,057 29,66,889 Rural population 1194260 1177179 2371439 Urban population 297572 297878 595450 Sex ratio 989 Child sex ratio 970 Density 132 persons/sq. km. Geographical Area 22429 sq km Forest Cover 17217 sq km www.indiaatcop22.org

Immediate Challenges INDIA@COP22 Meghalaya is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geo-ecological fragility, landscape and socio-economic profile. Erratic rainfall pattern has led to enhanced soil erosion and run-off and drought like situations after the rains, even in high rainfall areas. Incidence of floods and landslides has increased due to extreme weather events. Decreasing productivity of land and high pressure on natural resources have further aggravated water scarcity. Changing land use, unchecked quarrying and mining and climate change have resulted in acute depletion of springs and ground water. www.indiaatcop22.org

Rejuvenating the Natural Springs INDIA@COP22 Rejuvenating the Natural Springs For more than 6000 villages in the state, springs are the main source of water for household and irrigation purposes. Over 54% of the springs have either dried or water discharge from them has significantly reduced. Impaired springs have caused widespread water stress in the rural landscape, adversely affecting agriculture, livestock and other allied livelihood activities of the people. Spring-sheds are extremely important for ground water recharge, drinking water security, irrigation, flow for micro-hydro projects and diverse livelihood activities. Rejuvenation of the impaired springs has been identified as a major priority under the State Action Plan of Climate Change www.indiaatcop22.org

INDIA@COP22 Objective Reviving impaired springs through spring-shed development to ensure water security, reduce vulnerability of dependent communities and ensure livelihood security in the face of climate change www.indiaatcop22.org

Activities envisaged under the Project INDIA@COP22 Activities envisaged under the Project Creating an inventory of springs and prioritising spring-sheds based on vulnerability Developing a detailed landscape-based climate resilient spring-shed development plan for the springs prioritised on the basis of vulnerability Implementing livelihood interventions in select spring-sheds, including adaptive crop planning and diversification of livelihood with scientific livestock management such as piggery, poultry, dairy, etc. Creating a cadre of para-hydrogeologists and user body for preparation of village water security plan Overseeing programme management including design of tools such as spatial database in GIS and a Spring MIS www.indiaatcop22.org

INDIA@COP22 Way Ahead Improved water availability and sustainable use of water resources Cross-sectoral benefits to the villagers to meet the challenges of water and food security through resilient agriculture, afforestation and scientific livestock rearing, fisheries etc. Increased ecosystem resilience to climate change and variability- induced stress by adaptation measures in the spring-sheds Empowerment of community to reduce climate risk at the local level www.indiaatcop22.org

Framework for Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Actions INDIA@COP22 Framework for Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Actions Vulnerability Assessment Biophysical Conditions (GIS derived layers) Peoples’ Perception Projections based on Computer Models Adaptation Actions Impact Studies Traditional Knowledge of People www.indiaatcop22.org

Training of Para Geo-hydrologists

Pohsiej Village-Moonongtdu, East Jaintia Hills, Discharge-1 ltrs/min (February 2016) Umjiri , Village- Umkaduh, District- Ri Bhoi Nursery raising Wah umrit, Village- Nongjrong, East Khasi Hills Discharge-2.5 ltrs/min (December 2015) Um Krem, Village- Umkei, Ri Bhoi Discharge-21.3 ltrs/min (January 2016)