SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday directed government departments to intensify preparedness and roll out coordinated action plans to mitigate the possible impact of an anticipated El Nino event.

Chairing a meeting of the Meghalaya Climate Council at the State Guest House in Taraghar, Sangma said the state must plan proactively to limit the fallout of extreme weather conditions linked to El Nino-related climatic variations.

“The state must prepare in advance rather than respond after adverse conditions emerge,” he said.

The CM asked departments to translate preparedness plans into time-bound, actionable measures with clearly defined responsibilities.

He stressed the need to prioritise water conservation, catchment protection, groundwater recharge and community participation, while also calling for wider dissemination of weather advisories and early-warning information.

El Nino conditions are often linked to altered monsoon patterns, prolonged dry spells and below-normal rainfall.

Sangma directed departments to strengthen support systems for farmers and vulnerable communities.

The meeting reviewed sector-specific contingency plans covering drinking water supply, agriculture, food security and disaster management.

Representatives of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, Public Health Engineering Department, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, and other agencies briefed the council on vulnerability assessments and preparedness measures. (Source: PTI)