Meghalaya Faces Water Paradox: Study Shows Rising Rainfall Yet Growing Drought

A new scientific study released by researchers from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology highlights a troubling trend in Meghalaya. While the state has seen a rise in annual rainfall over the past decade, the same data points to a concurrent increase in drought frequency and severity. The paradox, experts say, stems from rapid runoff, inadequate storage infrastructure and changing rainfall patterns. The findings raise concerns for the region’s agrarian communities, which rely on predictable water availability for crops such as rice and maize. Authorities are urged to invest in rainwater harvesting, watershed management and better forecasting to mitigate the looming water crisis.