Empowering Change: One Woman’s Mission to End Water Crisis in Rural Meghalaya

In the picturesque hills of Meghalaya, a state known for its abundant rainfall yet often plagued by seasonal water scarcity, one woman has shown how grassroots leadership and sustainable practices can bring lasting change.

Laurel Diengdoh, a resident of Mawshut village in East Khasi Hills, has become a beacon of hope by successfully making her village self-sufficient in water. Her efforts, centered around community participation, rainwater harvesting, and watershed rejuvenation, have turned a once water-scarce village into a model of sustainable water management.

The Challenge: Abundant Rain, Yet Water Scarcity
Despite receiving one of the highest rainfalls in the world, many villages in Meghalaya face water shortages, especially during the dry season. Mawshut was no different. Villagers had to walk long distances to fetch water, and daily life—especially for women—was burdened by this challenge.

Laurel realized that the issue wasn’t lack of water, but the lack of water storage and conservation infrastructure.

The Solution: Community-Driven Water Conservation
Laurel took matters into her own hands. With support from the local government and NGOs, she launched a mission to conserve every drop of water the village received. Her work focused on three major strategies:

• Rainwater Harvesting Systems
  She introduced rooftop rainwater harvesting tanks in every household to collect and store rainwater for domestic use.
• Revival of Traditional Springs
  Old natural springs that had dried up were cleaned, de-silted, and revived to restore perennial water sources.
• Community Awareness
  Laurel led awareness drives to educate villagers—especially youth and women—about the importance of water conservation and responsible usage.

The Results: A Model Water-Secure Village
Thanks to Laurel’s vision and persistent efforts:

• Every home in Mawshut now has access to water throughout the year.
• Women no longer have to travel long distances to fetch water.
• The village is now resilient to seasonal droughts.
• It has become an example for other rural communities facing similar challenges.

A Model for Rural India
Laurel Diengdoh’s story is not just about water—it’s about empowerment, leadership, and sustainability. Her initiative reflects the power of local solutions to global challenges like water scarcity. With proper support and awareness, her model can be replicated across water-stressed rural India.