On Monday, Meghalaya Minister of Community and Rural Development, Sostheness Sohtun, urged citizens to take collective responsibility for protecting water sources and the environment. Speaking at the Jal Mahotsav 2026, which marked World Water Day in Mawdiangdiang, he stated that water conservation should not be solely the responsibility of the government. Highlighting concerns about declining public responsibility, he emphasized the need to preserve Meghalaya's water sources despite the region's abundant rainfall. The event, organized under the Jal Jeevan Mission, aimed to promote awareness about safe and sustainable drinking water.