Project on

How to Make a Liveable Planet

Water Conservation and Balance in Shillong

Harvest rains, reap gains

SUBMITTED BY:

Group 2C

Reg. No. Name Email

2016PGP0 abhijit16@iimshillong.i
63 Abhijit Das n
2016PGP0 amit.k16@iimshillong.i
67 Amit Kumar n
2016PGP0
82 Jatin Bedi jatin16@iimshillong.in
2016PGP0 kanishk16@iimshillon
84 Kanishk Rawat g.in
2016PGP1 Shivendu Shekhar shivendu16@iimshillo
11 Shrivastava ng.in
2016PGP1 shweta16@iimshillong
12 Shweta Arya .in
Table of Contents:

Problem Statements.......................................................................................... 3
Problem Selection.............................................................................................. 3
Project Scope...................................................................................................... 3
Problem Statement............................................................................................ 3
Project Objectives.............................................................................................. 4
Water Conservation & Balance for Shillong...................................................4
Objective of the Study....................................................................................... 5
Gap Identification............................................................................................... 5
Survey Methodology.......................................................................................... 6
Results & Analysis.............................................................................................. 6
DPSIR Framework............................................................................................... 7
Different Methods of Water Conservation.....................................................7
Alternatives to Achieve the Objective............................................................8
Our Recommendation The Rain Water Harvesting System......................8
The Proposed System........................................................................................ 9
PESTEL Analysis (Water Conservation & Balance in Shillong)....................9
Conclusion......................................................................................................... 10
Bibliography:..................................................................................................... 10

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Problem Description
The group identified Water Crisis as the major problem and the problem to be
addressed. It is evident from the events happening around us that the water is as
scarce resource and must be used wisely. There are many sections of the society
who are not able to afford a necessity as basic as potable water.

The problem was broken down further to sub problems to have a clearer
understanding. These are as follows:
Climate Change
Altered weather patterns
Increased fluctuation of droughts and floods
Improper Utilisation
Wastage of large quantities of potable water resources
Irresponsible and indiscriminate usage
Increased Pollution
Effluent Discharge by the large scale industries
Waste disposal into the water bodies

Addressing the Problem

The scope of the project was narrowed down to a single problem which was
Improper utilisation. The opportunities that exist in this domain are:
Rain Water Harvesting projects can be undertaken to optimise the
utilisation of present water resources
Small scale installations at domestic level

Thus the group decided to take up Rain Water Harvesting projects as the area of
emphasis for the project and decided to keep the scope of the project limited to
Shillong

Scope of the Project

- Reduction of water usage
- Viability of Rain Water Harvesting projects in Shillong
- Analysing the dependence on the Umiem river
- Understanding the distribution and balancing of water supply in society

Problem Statement
We undertake the study with a motive to develop rain water harvesting as an
alternate medium of water supply based on storage, optimum utilisation of
present resources provided form the Umiem River and studying overall water
sustainability practices in Shillong

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Project Objectives
- To undertake a study on rain water harvesting for the residents of Shillong
using field survey and collection of primary data using questionnaires for
residents and interviews for suppliers and members of the Public Works
Department.
- To identify methods of sustainable utilization of existing water resources and
a balanced supply of water
- To understand best practices on water usage and conservation

Further, we wish to understand the sources of water supply for our institute, Rajiv
Gandhi Indian Institute of Management Shillong, identify the challenges faced
and provide solutions to eliminate the wastage of water observed.

Water Conservation & Balance for Shillong

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, also known as The Abode of Clouds is
situated in East Khasi Hills at an average altitude of 1,510 m. The monsoons
arrive in June and it rains almost until the mid of September. The average annual
temperature in Shillong is 17.1 C. Meghalaya receives the maximum amount of
rainfall in India; average rainfall received in East Khasi Hills district is about
6,166mm annually in comparison to average of 1,100mm rainfall received by
India.

The water demand in Shillong met through ground water (spring) and surface
water (streams) sources. For the residents of the city, water is provided by two
suppliers, one from the Public Health Engineering Department of Government of
Meghalaya under the PWD and the other from the Shillong Municipality. The
primary source of water is the dam across Umiew River in Mawphlang, which is
transported to the treatment plant and released to zonal reservoirs spread across
the city.

In the Phase-I of the project, 2 pumps are put into operation at a time to
generate 34.05 MLD (7.5 million gallons per day). On completion of the Phase-II
of the project, altogether 3 pumps would be put into operation to generate 51.30
MLD (11.3 million gallons per day). Water supply, though very reasonable is
provided in excess in some parts of the city while some still struggle to make
ends meet.

Capacities of the underground sources of water (springs) in Shillong

Sl. Name of the Source Capacity (ML)

No. Pre Monsoon Monsoon
1 Wah Risa 0.45 0.64
2 Umjasai 0.91 1.14
3 Wah Jalynoh 0.45 0.64
4 Crinoline 0.36 0.50
5 Madan Laban 0.23 0.36
6 Patta Khana 0.11 0.23
7 Wah Deinglieng 0.23 0.29
Total 2.74 3.80
Source Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) City
Appraisal - Shillong

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Water supply, though very reasonable is provided in excess in some parts of the
city while some still struggle to make ends meet. Back in 2012, the city was
faced with an acute water shortage despite good rainfall recorded and was on
the verge of being named the Wettest Desert in the world due to unplanned use
and abuse of natural resources.
Objective of the Study
Our study aims to analyse the current water supply and water stress in Shillong,
Meghalaya. The study will focus on the current sources of water, current and
projected demand and water wastage in Shillong. The study will also examine
alternative sources of water and their viability in the context of Shillong. Finally
based on our analysis we will suggest the best alternative which will suit the
environmental and geographic conditions of Shillong and at the same time
bridging the gap between demand and supply of water.

Gap Identification
Water supply is provided in excess in some parts of the city while some still
struggle to make ends meet. The present total water supply capacity of SMB and
PHED combined is 43.01 MLD whereas the demand is around 60 MLD, the
balance requirement is met by illegal ground water extraction and the tanker
mafia. This wide gap between demand and supply is a major issue of concern.

On completion of Phase III GSWSS the supply is expected to increase to 60.26

MLD. Population estimates suggest a sharp increase in the population of Shillong
in coming years and a lot of new schemes need to be flagged of in order to be
able to meet the future water needs. 6.56 MLD is lost in treatment process and
transit from source to households. This is also a major issue which needs
immediate attention.
Population Vs Water Demand Projection

Sl. Year Projected Per Capita Total

No. Population Demand Demand
(LPCD) (MLD)
1 2006 382,986 135 51.70
2 2011 427,076 135 57.65
3 2021 550,419 135 74.31
4 2031 709,385 150 106.40
5 2041 914,261 175 160.00

Water Supply in Shillong

Sl. Name of Scheme Quantity Available

No. (MLD)
1 GSWSS 34.05
2 Mawlai Umsohlang WSS 1.95
3 Pynthor Umkhrah DTW WSS 0.65
4 Pynthorbah Lum Shiap DTW WSS 0.75
5 Umkhen WSS 0.99
6 Lawjynrew, Lumiawblot etc. WSS 0.50
7 St. Edmunds DTW WSS 0.04

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 8 Madanrting WSS 0.20
9 Wahdingdoh DTW WSS 0.08
10 Jaiaw Laitdom DTW WSS 0.16
11 Nongmynsong DTW WSS 0.24
12 U Tirot Singh Nagar-Lumshngain DTW WSS 0.13
13 Water from SMB 3.27
Total 43.01
Source Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering (CPHEEO) City
Development Plan for Shillong
Survey Methodology
The study involved the survey technique of using a questionnaire, following
judgement and convenient based sampling, wherein we asked the respondents
in Nongthymmai, Police Bazar. To answer questions, to gauge whether they face
water shortage or not and understand what alternatives they use apart from the
municipal and PWD sources. The official statistics and the subjective answers
that we received via the questionnaire pointed out to the problem of paucity of
water. Apart from surveys, we also visited the State Council of Science,
Technology & Environment, Government of Meghalaya and met Ms. Thang Khiew
to capture governmental insights on the problem. We also used many online
state references to gather secondary data as mentioned in the bibliography.

Our next objective via the questionnaire was to understand if the public would be
open to the idea of installing a rain water harvesting system as a possible
solution. We as a group were convinced about the rain water harvesting system
being a possible solution, given that this idea was cheaper, had more benefits in
the immediate future and could be effectively implemented at the individual and
community level, with little or no government intervention.

The interpretation that could be made from the responses, is that a substantial
number were convinced about the idea of installing a rain water harvesting
system and that prompted us to go ahead with the recommendation. We as a
group also did built on the idea, and have designed a simple rain water
harvesting system, and have also discussed the pros and cons.

Results & Analysis

Our survey, conducted in areas of Shillong facing water shortage were asked
questions about their water requirement, dependency on water tanker,
usefulness of already installed system, dependency on community water tank
and willingness to adopt water harvesting system.

According to responses received, the following observations were made:

1) Around 63.3% of respondents said that there is huge water shortage

2) Around 53.3% people are dependent upon water tankers
3) Rest 10% people depend upon community water tankers
4) Already installed system are almost of no use and used only drainage
purpose
5) Around 40% people showed willingness to employ rain water harvesting
system
6) Around 30% people completely rejected the idea because of availability

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 7) Around 13.5% people have shortage but have apprehensions of cost, dry
season etc.
8) Around 16.5% people have supply but were willing for the cause of water
conservation

We ran a software that helped summarize the responses recorded on a basis of

1-10, 1 being the least and 10 being the highest. The respondents were divided
into clusters based on areas of survey undertaken. The summary is presented as
follows:

Segmentation Clu Clu Clu Clu Clu Clu Clu Clu Clu
Ove
variable / ster ster ster ster ster ster ster ster ster
rall
Cluster 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Water supply vs 4.5 0.6 7.5 1.0 8.4 8.0 6.3 0.3 1.0 9.0
Requirement 7 6 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0
Dependence on 4.1 0.3 6.5 0.5 8.4 8.0 4.3 1.0 2.5 6.5
Water Tank 7 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0
Already Installed 0.3 0.3 1.0 0.6 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.0 1.0
System 6 3 0 6 0 5 0 3 0 0
Supply from
3.2 0.6 5.5 4.6 1.4 6.0 2.6 0.0 5.0 3.5
neighborhood
3 6 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 0
tank
Willingness to 4.8 0.0 2.0 1.6 8.2 7.7 7.0 5.0 5.5 5.5
install system 0 0 0 7 0 5 0 0 0 0
Willingness for 0.6 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.6 1.0 0.0 0.6 0.5 1.0
filter and motor 0 3 0 6 0 0 0 6 0 0

DPSIR Framework
Drivers
Industry, energy, agriculture, climate, households and urbanisation
Pressures
Uneven rainfall distribution, climate change, water abstraction and water
wastage
State
Ecological status: chemical, physical, biological, ground water status and water
quantity
Impact
Draughts, ground water reserve reduction, desertification and social disorder
Responses
Rain water harvesting, education of stakeholders, water use restrictions, use of
technology to restrict leakage, alternative supplies, demand side management,
waste water treatment and artificial recharge

Different Methods of Water Conservation

There is a famous saying Charity begins at home, each and every resident
needs to a part of the effort to conserve water. There are several instances in our
day to day life where we can save water, like brushing teeth, toilet, cleaning
utensils, washing clothes, using showers when we bathe & so on. Imagine if
everyone starts saving water what will be cumulative effect. If everyone in
Shillong saves just 2 litres of water per day the total amount of water saved will

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be close to 0.5 million litres per day (MLD), which equal to the total supply
capacity of Pynthor Umkhrah DTW water supply scheme.

People throwaway water stored a day before saying it has become stale. The fact
is water does not become stale if you have stored it properly. If you feel
psychologically uncomfortable using the water please visit the overhead &
suction tanks in the buildings where water is stored for a day before supplying it
to you. If you can afford to drink that water on a particular day, you can consume
it on the next day also. At least start using that water for other uses including
bathing. After all we require only 5 - 10 litre of water per person for drinking &
cooking, rest all is non consumable demand.

It is possible to have dual capacity flushing cisterns (5/10 litre) for toilets where
the output is adjusted as per requirement. At least two filled up closed water
bottles can be put in the flushing tank to reduce its capacity. The mineral water
bottles, which are headache for disposal, have this reuse. We need to promptly
repair water taps, pipelines, prevent overflowing of tanks, clean vehicles just by
a cloth & bucket of water. These actions of ours may seem minor but the
combined effect is considerable.

The garden can be watered or the car, the staircases & common passages can
be cleaned with well water wherever it is available. Output of washing machines
can be used as water for flushing, water for rinsing the second lot of clothes. In
fact if we make habit of utilizing full capacity of machine for every lot and
washing two lots together, we save wash water up to 30%.

The precautionary measures needed to ensure water conservation can be

divided into two categories:
A Minimisation of water use by changing the habits of water usage by
conservative use of water
B Developing of alternate sources like reusing of water, recycling& rainwater
harvesting

Alternatives to Achieve the Objective

Creating new impoundage and water supply networks, extracting more & more
ground water, recycling waste water and water shed development with rain
water harvesting are various alternate sources that can be developed to meet
the growing water demand. Following are various sources of water and
alternatives and the benefits/implications of using each one of them.

A) Ground water replenishment Continuous over extraction of ground water

results in depletion of ground water table. With passage of time it will also
demand more energy to pump out the water. The natural aquifers of water will
dry off if the rate of extraction is higher than the rate of water recharge,
ultimately causing ecological imbalances. We need to adopt methods and
practises to replenish the ground water.

B) Recycling - The majority of the used water are mostly grey or black water.
These are recycled in plants set up in either local plots for a locality or in a
centralized plant in the outskirts of the city. But a new system is require for the
use of treated water. The locality recycled water can be used in gardens, but in
the absence of gardens a completely separate flushing network has to be set up
which includes separate tanks and supply lines. There is a mental block

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associated with use of this water and the technology has to be imported. The
operation also requires a lot of maintenance through a technically competent
person. The system also needs regular maintenance from an expert technician in
case of a system failure.

c) Rain Water Harvesting - Rain water harvesting is the simple indigenous

technology which has been used in India for centuries now. It involves collection
of rain water in the roofs of the houses into tanks or underground sumps, or
using percolation pits to replenish the underground water. It helps in self-
sufficiency. This results in the raise of the ground water levels. It is a cost
effective method of water conservation. The only maintenance is the
requirement of periodic per monsoon monitoring of the collection system.

Our Recommendation The Rain Water Harvesting

System
Following techniques are used for urban rain water harvesting.
I. Storage in artificial above or underground tanks
II. Recharging aquifer directly through existing dug up wells & bore wells
III. Recharging aquifer by percolation / soakage into the ground

We aim to setup a rain water harvesting system which will supplement the
existing sources of water and will act as the primary source of water during the
rainy season. The primary reason for this setup is to save money, reduce
dependence on water tankers during monsoons and provide convenience to the
user. Such independence will lift pressure off municipal authorities during the
period who can focus on effective planning for supply of water. Further, reducing
dependence on rivers and lakes will allow time for rejuvenation of biodiversity
and regeneration of water sources for the needy times.

The proposed system is highly customizable designed to meet the need to every
user. Ranging from the complete setup of PVC tanks to merely only connecting
existing systems and filtration of water, our services will be based on needs of
the user. We aim to follow a low price penetration strategy, because of low per
capital income, pricing and profit margins will depend on services chosen by
customer.

The Proposed System

A system that collects rain water, channels it through filters to clear sediments,
collects it in a tank to be used for domestic household purposes.
A. Water is collected by channelling it through pipes and directed towards the
underground collection unit
B. Before the water enters the tank, it passes through two filters:
a. The first filter is a 149 microns (number of openings per inch) filter,
used to filter bigger sediments
b. The second filter is a 15 microns filter which is used to filter smaller
particles, ensuring transparent and clean water is available for domestic
usage
(Reference diameter of a hair follicle is about 90 microns)
C. 1. If the house is equipped with an underground tank for storage, the
filtered water is directed into the common tank and the motor is used to
pump up the water

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 2. If the house is not equipped with an underground tank, we offer the
construction of a small tank depending on the size available (for
example: 5Ft x 5Ft x 5Ft) to collect the water. As the area is small, the
tank is attached with a pressure activated motor pump that is activated
as the level of water in the tank rises. When the tank is nearly 80% full,
the motor is activated and the water is pumped till the time it is 20%
full after which, it automatically switches off.
D. An outlet pipe that drains out the water in case of an overflow.

PESTEL Analysis (Water Conservation & Balance in

Shillong)
Political:
State Government support from State Council of Science, Technology &
Environment, Government of Meghalaya which has its mission to organize
workshops, seminars, provide financial and technical expertise and
undertake planning and formulation of models
Under National Water Policy of India, conservation of rain water is being
promoted
Economic:
Shortage in water supply is expected to be inevitable, making every drop
more expensive
Social:
Instances of complaints from the public that the water supplied by the
Public Health Engineering is unsafe for drinking, evident from its colour
and taste
Reduction of dependence on municipal water supply will allow authorities
to improve their services and expand reach to the needy
Partnership with NGOs to market the system and benefits of rainwater
harvesting
Technological:
Technology can be leveraged to reduce the water being leaked in the
treatment and supply phase, which is currently 20% of total production in
Shillong
Environmental:
Rising mercury levels to raise the demand for water
Reduction of dependence on water from lakes and rivers
Ground water rejuvenation impacted negatively, but not severely
Legal:

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 Effective 2002, the CPWD has made it mandatory for all new buildings
constructed in urban areas to have a provision for rooftop rainwater
harvesting

Conclusion
After conducting both primary and secondary research, we have arrived at the
conclusion that the water shortage problem in Shillong will amplify and become
more severe in the coming year, given that there is a huge mismatch between
the demand and supply. Water as a basic commodity and necessity will see
prices soaring and black marketing. To avoid the stated problem an immediate
action plan with the help of municipality, public works departments, state
council, and local communities should be devised.

We suggest the following solutions:

1) Educating people about ways to reduce water usage, running awareness
campaigns in schools and at durbar gatherings
2) Using a progressive rate method for charging money for water
consumption i.e. the more you use the more you pay, and thus
incentivising lesser usage
3) Implementing rain water harvesting system at household and community
level which could be done by inviting private players and contractors to
act as rain water system installers and suppliers
4) Installing a water recycling plant at a couple of places in the city, to
ensure that some water can be reused.

Overall, the suggestions if implemented could help reduce the mismatch and
help solve the water problems of Shillong.

Bibliography:
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) City Appraisal,
Shillong - http://jnnurmmis.nic.in/toolkit/Shillong_Cdp/Chapter4.pdf

Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering (CPHEEO) City

Development Plan for Shillong - http://cpheeo.nic.in/SDWQ%20-
%2025/18%20SHILLONG.PDF

Meghalaya Basin Development Authority - http://mbda.gov.in/Water_Mission.html

Shillong Climate - http://en.climate-data.org/location/24618/

Clusters 1 - Nongthymmai, 2 - Laimutumkhrah, 3 - Happy Valley, 4 -

Nongkhyriem, 5 - Zishranyi, Upper Shillong, 6 - Madannyling, 7 - Jail Road, PB, 8 -
Nongshillyiang, 9 - Jyllishop

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