Cherrapunjee runs out of water

Imagine Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on this earth, facing water crisis and the state government roping in a foreign firm to quench its thirst.

Yes, that's exactly what is happening with Cherrapunjee (now called Sohra), which ironically has been a record holder for the highest amount of rainfall in the world. The Meghalaya government has roped in an Israeli firm, International Agricultural Development Cooperation (CIADC), under Israel's agriculture ministry, for "technical collaboration" in rainwater harvesting in Cherrapunjee.

Cherrapunjee, which receives around 11,000-millimetre of rainfall every year, has been facing severe water shortage during post-monsoon and winter season for past many years.

During the winter season, especially during the months of December and January, the amount of rainfall in Cherrapunjee drops drastically, which in turn precipitates a water crisis in the area. For example, the amount of rainfall in January, 2006, was nil as compared to 2311.2 mm in June the same year.

According to official sources, CIADC would "impart education " on rainwater harvesting to the dwellers there, and would also create structures and infrastructure required for harvesting rainwater. CIADC would also fund projects for regenerating forest cover in barren lands.

Experts hold large scale deforestation, in and around Cherrapunjee, as responsible for deteriorating water scenario in the area.

A delegation of the Meghalaya Government, which visited Tel Aviv recently, signed an agreement with CIADC. The official said that project would begin within next five to six months and the government is presently "working on the modalities for implementation of the project".

He further added that other areas in the state, which also face perennial water shortage, would also be brought under the rainwater harvesting project.

Cherrapunjee, which is at a distance of 60 kms from the state capital "� Shillong, is located on a plateau in the southern edge of Khasi Hills. It has to its credit the record for a single day rainfall of 2455 mm, recorded in 1974, confirming it as the "Wettest place on the Earth".