Meghalaya: Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase-III Set for Full Launch by March 2026, Ending 17-Year Delay

Shillong: After nearly 17 years of delays, the long-awaited Phase-III of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme in Shillong, Meghalaya, is finally on track to be fully operational by March 2026, Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise N Marak said.

Sanctioned in 2008, the mega project faced repeated setbacks due to a series of challenges, including forest clearance issues, road alignment problems, permissions required for crossing the Cantonment area, and prolonged negotiations with Hima Mawphlang. “We had to resolve one hurdle after another. Each issue took considerable time to settle,” Marak explained.

The minister revealed that the water source, treatment plant, and primary transmission infrastructure have already been successfully tested and commissioned in 2025. Full-scale supply to households, however, will begin only after the entire distribution network is completed.

Marak credited the recent breakthrough to coordinated efforts across government levels. “From the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary to chief engineers and field staff, everyone worked proactively to push the project forward,” he said.

In a related update, the minister addressed the ongoing water shortage in Tura, assuring residents that relief is on the way. The State government has sanctioned a new bulk water supply scheme for parts of the town, while the Greater Tura Water Supply Scheme is also nearing completion. “Once these projects are commissioned, Tura’s water woes will be significantly resolved,” Marak affirmed.

Residents of Shillong have long awaited the completion of Phase III, which is expected to substantially improve water availability across the capital and surrounding areas.

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