SHILLONG: In view of the rising temperatures in two Garo Hills districts, has issued orders urging the public to conserve water resources and tackle the heatwave properly.
Sanctioned under Section 144 Cr PC, an order by District Magistrate of West Garo Hills have restricted car-wash servicing activities within the Tura Municipality, allowing them only on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Additionally, Jagdish Chellani, in the order has barred car wash service centres from utilising bore wells within the municipal area.
“This order shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force until May 15, 2024. This order applies solely to the Tura Municipality area only,” the order read.
In light of a looming water shortage worsened by the rising temperatures, the order has also advised the public to implement water conservation strategies in their households and communities.
Additionally, District Commissioner of East Garo Hills, in another order on Thursday, has advised the citizens to be cautious, avoiding outdoor activities from 12 noon to 3 pm, wearing light and breathable clothing, and never leaving children or pets alone in parked vehicles.
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Meanwhile, water scarcity has reached critical levels in Meghalaya, particularly in urban hubs such as Shillong and Tura.
In response to the escalating crisis, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, held a high-level meeting to evaluate the situation in these cities on Wednesday.
PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak, while expressing grave concern over the diminishing water reservoirs in Shillong and Tura, linked the crisis to the broader issues of global warming and climate change.
“We are grappling with factors beyond our control, directly linked to global warming and climate change,” he told the press.
Minister Marak also highlighted a 20% decline in water levels specifically in Tura.
Despite ongoing efforts, such as the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme-III, Minister Marak admitted that immediate relief remains a challenge amidst this prolonged dry period.
The scarcity of rainfall has only worsened the water problem in the state, with districts like South Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills experiencing a significant precipitation deviation of 87% below normal.
Similarly, other areas including Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills, and North Garo Hills have witnessed rainfall deficits exceeding 80% from normal levels, as reported by the Meteorological department.
