<b>Excl</b>: Cherrapunjee runs out of water

Imagine Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on the earth, facing a 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 rainfall every year, has been facing severe water shortage during post-monsoon and winter season for 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, 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, responsible for the deteriorating water scenario in the area. 

A delegation of the Meghalaya government, which visited Tel Aviv recently, signed an agreement with CIADC. An official said the project would begin within 5-6 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 about 60 kms away 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 Earth."