Conservation Champions: Mawrah Village’s Groundbreaking Water Management Wins Top Sustainability Award
As Meghalaya’s climate action initiative gains momentum, a major boost has been given to the cause with the Mawrah Village Dorbar in East Khasi Hills district emerging as the winner of the prestigious 4th Water Sustainability Award (National Award) 2024-25. This recognition comes under the category “Excellence in Participatory Water Management for Enhancing Water Management through Community Participation,” awarded by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), and the Department of Water Resources.
The Mawrah Reservoir Project, a Soil & Water Conservation Department initiative, took the top spot for its innovative approach to community-participatory water resources management. The project’s success is a testament to the Meghalaya Government’s commitment to advancing its climate action agenda, ensuring active community involvement in managing water resources. This achievement is a milestone for the government, which has consistently worked towards sustainable development and environmental conservation.
The Water Sustainability Awards aim to promote the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by encouraging stakeholders to adopt the “water neutrality” approach, reducing water footprints through innovative methodologies. The award’s jury, comprising experts from UNDP, MoJS, Niti Aayog, and TERI, praised Mawrah’s model for effective collaboration between government and community, highlighting the positive impact on local livelihoods and alignment with global targets.
This award serves as a significant boost to the state’s climate-resilient initiatives, particularly the 100% climate-financed, community-based water harvesting project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Meghalaya. The $62.5 million project aims to construct 532 climate-resilient water harvesting structures across the state, enhancing climate-resilient water systems and creating a pondage area of 415 hectares, with a water storage capacity of approximately 12 million cubic meters.
The project’s implementation has already begun in various districts, with a focus on community-driven participatory approach, institutional strengthening, and the adoption of innovative technologies. The Mawrah Village Dorbar’s success story showcases the importance of community involvement in climate action and water sustainability, serving as a model for other regions to follow. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, this initiative demonstrates the potential for collective action and collaboration towards a more sustainable future.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalayas-mawrah-village-wins-sustainability-award-for-community-based-water-management-1188586-2025-03-24?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-24 22:22:00
