1.
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

2.
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
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

3. 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.

4. Rejuvenating the Natural Springs
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

5.
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

6. Activities envisaged under the Project
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

7.
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

8. Framework for Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Actions
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

9. Training of Para Geo-hydrologists

10. 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)