Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has informed the Assembly that the Rs 700-crore Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase-III is at an ‘advanced stage of implementation’ and is expected to be completed by March next year.

The project aims to significantly reduce the daily supply gap of 1.40 crore litres, as Shillong currently requires 5.58 crore litres but receives only 4.17 crore litres. Areas like Mawlai face severe shortfalls, with a demand of 92.5 lakh litres against a supply of 64.7 lakh litres. To supplement GSWSS, the Wahrynthem scheme will add 33 million litres per day from the Umngot river at Dawki.

While the initiative promises long-term relief, concerns were raised about sustainability amid erratic rainfall, deforestation, and climate change. CM Sangma assured measures like spring rejuvenation, catchment protection, and guidance from the Meghalaya Climate Council under the 2019 water policy to secure resilient water resources.