Declining Rainfall Crisis in Meghalaya’s Sohra Region

Meghalaya’s Sohra, also known as Cherrapunji, long famed as the wettest place on Earth, is facing a sharp decline in rainfall. Recently, Sohra received barely one-third of the rain it recorded in June 2024. This steep drop marks growing concerns over climate change and its local impact.

Recent Rainfall Trends

Sohra recorded only 1,095.4 mm of rainfall in June 2025, down from 3,041.2 mm in June 2024. May 2025 also saw a shortfall of about 400 mm compared to the previous year. This irregularity is part of a longer trend of declining rainfall over the past 15 years.

Historical Rainfall Patterns

The town’s annual rainfall has dropped from a normal average of around 11,000 mm since 2005 to about 8,000-9,000 mm. This is a stark contrast to the 1970s when Sohra routinely received nearly double the current average. The world record of 24,555 mm set in 1974 remains unmatched.

Causes of Rainfall Decline

Experts attribute the decline to shifting monsoon patterns influenced by climate change. Deforestation and urbanisation have altered local ecosystems. Rising sea surface temperatures affect moisture availability. The growing population and tourism add pressure on natural resources.

Impact on Water Resources

Despite its reputation for heavy rain, Sohra faces water shortages during dry months. Villagers depend on fragile springs. Water tankers supply some areas, creating a costly and unsustainable system. The imbalance between rainfall and demand threatens the town’s water security.

Conservation and Future Risks

Local activists urge reforestation and watershed protection to restore ecological balance. Regulating construction and population growth is vital. The crisis is no longer about breaking rainfall records but about sustaining Sohra’s environment and community.

Monitoring and Response

Officials continue to monitor monsoon patterns closely. The persistent decline in rainfall deepens concerns for the region’s future. Immediate action is needed to prevent an ecological disaster in this unique climatic zone.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the impact of climate change on monsoon patterns and water security in the Indian subcontinent.
2. Examine the role of deforestation and urbanisation in altering local climate and hydrological cycles in hilly regions like Meghalaya.
3. Analyse the challenges of sustainable water management in rapidly growing tourist destinations and hill towns.
4. Estimate the socio-economic consequences of declining rainfall on rural communities and propose integrated conservation strategies.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the impact of climate change on monsoon patterns and water security in the Indian subcontinent.

1. Climate change causes erratic and shifting monsoon patterns, leading to irregular rainfall distribution.
2. Increased temperature raises sea surface temperatures, reducing moisture availability for monsoons.
3. Declining and unpredictable rainfall threatens water security, especially in traditionally wet regions like Meghalaya.
4. Frequent droughts and floods disrupt agriculture, drinking water supply, and livelihoods.
5. Climate change exacerbates water scarcity during dry months despite high annual rainfall in some areas.
6. Long-term decline in average rainfall impacts groundwater recharge and surface water availability.

2. Examine the role of deforestation and urbanisation in altering local climate and hydrological cycles in hilly regions like Meghalaya.

1. Deforestation reduces forest cover, decreasing evapotranspiration and local rainfall generation.
2. Loss of vegetation leads to soil erosion, reducing water retention and groundwater recharge capacity.
3. Urbanisation increases impervious surfaces, disrupting natural water infiltration and increasing runoff.
4. Construction activities alter natural drainage and microclimates, contributing to localized warming.
5. Population growth and tourism pressure accelerate land use changes, straining local ecosystems.
6. Combined effects reduce the stability of hydrological cycles, intensifying water scarcity during dry periods.

3. Analyse the challenges of sustainable water management in rapidly growing tourist destinations and hill towns.

1. Rapid population and tourist influx increase water demand beyond natural supply limits.
2. Existing water sources like springs become fragile and insufficient, leading to over-extraction.
3. Water supply often relies on costly tanker services, which are unsustainable and inequitable.
4. Infrastructure development may neglect water conservation and watershed protection measures.
5. Seasonal rainfall variability complicates storage and distribution planning.
6. Need for integrated water resource management including rainwater harvesting and demand regulation.

4. Estimate the socio-economic consequences of declining rainfall on rural communities and propose integrated conservation strategies.

1. Declining rainfall reduces agricultural productivity, affecting food security and incomes.
2. Water scarcity impacts health, sanitation, and daily livelihoods, increasing vulnerability.
3. Migration and economic stress rise as rural populations lose resources and employment.
4. Conservation strategies include reforestation to restore ecosystems and improve rainfall retention.
5. Watershed management and protection of springs enhance water availability and quality.
6. Regulating construction and promoting sustainable tourism reduce ecological pressure.