New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have finalized a $50 million loan on Thursday to establish a climate-resilient water harvesting initiative in Meghalaya.

The primary objective is to bolster water security by constructing water harvesting systems that will enhance access to water and mitigate community vulnerability to the effects of climate change in this northeastern state.

The initiative will facilitate the construction of 532 small water-storage facilities across 12 districts in Meghalaya, in addition to developing 3,000 hectares of command area to ensure reliable irrigation for farmers, as per the Ministry of Finance.

Moreover, the project will establish 50 weather stations for climate data collection and monitoring, along with micro-irrigation systems in the Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions. This aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019.

“Beyond the financial aspect, ADB's contributions will include supporting the state in implementing the MSWP and providing guidance on integrating climate adaptation strategies into water security frameworks,” stated Mio Oka, Country Director of the ADB’s India Resident Mission.

This encompasses the design of water harvesting systems (WHS) aimed at supporting agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, water supply, and other productive livelihoods for economic advancement, Oka added.

Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, noted that the initiative aims to achieve sustainable development, management, and utilization of the state's water resources through a participatory approach, thereby reducing vulnerability and promoting integrated water resource management.

The project will also facilitate the creation of a state-wide WHS master plan that takes into account micro catchment areas and disaster risk management.

This plan will direct the formulation of water security strategies at the village level, to be overseen by village employment councils, watershed management committees, and water users’ associations.

The ADB will also enhance the capabilities of the Meghalaya State Watershed and Wasteland Development Agency and the Soil and Water Conservation Department in areas of water management, operation, and maintenance.

Additionally, the initiative will provide training for farmers, particularly women, to boost livelihood productivity in irrigated agriculture, including horticulture and fishery methods, as stated by the government.