Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday stressed the need for proactive planning and climate resilience while addressing a workshop on “Developing State Response for El Niño Preparedness: Strengthening Food and Water Security”, calling for coordinated efforts to safeguard livelihoods and natural resources against the growing impacts of climate change.
Addressing participants at the workshop, the Chief Minister said climate change is no longer a challenge of the future but a reality that is already affecting communities across the region. He noted that while weather forecasts may change over time, preparedness must remain a priority to minimise the impact of extreme climatic events.
Emphasising the importance of long-term resilience, Sangma highlighted the need to adopt sustainable practices such as natural farming, water conservation, spring rejuvenation and community-led initiatives. He said these measures would play a crucial role in strengthening food and water security, particularly in the face of possible El Niño-related disruptions.
The Chief Minister also stated that Meghalaya’s initiatives to promote natural farming have received national recognition. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing innovative and locally appropriate solutions that are suited to Meghalaya’s unique geographical and ecological landscape.
Sangma further called for greater collaboration among government departments, local communities, academic institutions and other stakeholders to build a comprehensive response to climate-related challenges. He said collective action and integrated planning would be essential to enhance the state’s resilience and ensure sustainable development.
The workshop focused on developing strategies to improve Meghalaya’s preparedness for potential El Niño conditions, with discussions centred on strengthening food and water security through climate-resilient policies and community participation.
