Disappearance of Clouds from Its Abode

The scary imprint of climate change is very much visible in the north-eastern region this monsoon as the wettest places in the world -- Cherrapunji and Mawsynram -- are striving for rains. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Meghalaya has recorded 56 per cent less rainfall since the onset of the monsoon in the country two months ago. The state has received only 690.7 mm rain between June 1 to July 28, 2025, while the state’s recorded average rainfall is 1555.4 mm during the same period. Going a step further, Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has claimed that Jharkhand, known as a rain-deficient state, received more rain than Meghalaya in the month of June and July. The mineral-rich state, situated not very far off from Meghalaya, has so far received 732.6 mm rainfall which is much higher than the average rainfall of 478.3 mm that the state usually receive during the first two months of the monsoon. Many experts feel that the kind of crisis faced this year could have been averted had Meghalaya taken mitigating steps to address the looming issue.

It is reported that rainfall has decreased considerably in most part of Meghalaya during the last three decades. The disappearance of clouds from its abode (Meghalaya) has left many worried as a lesser amount of rainfall will put the death nail on one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the country. The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot is among the 34 unique biodiversity hotspots in the world and environmentalists are anxious that sooner than later the flora and fauna in this hotspot may have to fight for survival due to the deficit rainfall. They are of the opinion that destruction of nature, unplanned development and rampant urbanisation besides global warming have led to this perilous situation, cautioning that not only Meghalaya but also the entire north-eastern region will be at the threshold of destruction if remedial steps are not taken.

Well, the average rainfall in the entire north-eastern region is witnessing a decreasing trend. As per the data released by the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, states like Nagaland, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have been experiencing decrease in rainfall since 1989. So, it is high time to initiate all possible measures to save one of the most important biodiversity hotspots of the country by preserving nature and adopting sustainable development approach. In this context, the Meghalaya government along with the Union Environment Ministry should take every possible step to save the state, as well as the region. Already, we have lost valuable time in preventing destructive activities in this ecologically sensitive region. It is time to put an end to further destruction and bring back the clouds to its abode.