Meghalaya, the land of clouds, has long been home to Cherrapunji or Sohra; the place once celebrated as the wettest spot on Earth. Year after year, it earned fame as the “rain capital,” with endless showers feeding roaring waterfalls and lush green hills. But this year, the picture has changed dramatically. The monsoon passed without its usual downpour, with total rainfall falling to less than half of the seasonal average. The town that once symbolized relentless rain is now struggling with water shortages.

The reasons behind this sudden decline are complex. Climate scientists point to global warming as a major driver. Rising sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal, shifts in monsoon wind patterns, and large-scale deforestation in the region have combined to weaken the intensity of rainfall. Locals too have noticed the difference: instead of days of uninterrupted rain, the region now witnesses short bursts of heavy showers followed by unusually long dry spells. This erratic rainfall pattern is creating a crisis across the hills.

The impact on daily life is already visible. Mountain villages that once relied on perennial springs and rain-fed water sources are now dependent on tankers. Farmers, who depend almost entirely on monsoon rains, fear crop losses this year. Tourism—a vital part of the local economy—is also feeling the pinch. The unique charm of Cherrapunji, where visitors came to experience life in the rain, is fading as the downpours grow scarce.

Looking ahead, the implications are serious. If this declining trend continues, Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity could face irreversible damage. The forests, rivers, and waterfalls that define the region may shrink, and with them, the livelihoods of people who depend on these ecosystems. Food and water security for rural households will become increasingly uncertain, especially for the poor who rely solely on natural water sources.

Meanwhile, other parts of India are experiencing record rainfall. Certain regions of Karnataka, for example, have overtaken Cherrapunji and Mawsynram this year in total rainfall received. This shift shows how the monsoon is redistributing its strength—flooding some areas while leaving others unexpectedly dry. For the northeast, the result is a troubling sign of climate imbalance.

The changing face of Cherrapunji is more than a local concern—it is a reflection of the global climate crisis. Places once synonymous with torrential rains are turning drier, piece by piece. The challenge now is to respond: protect forests, conserve water, and adopt sustainable plans for the future. Otherwise, Cherrapunji may one day exist only in history as the “wettest place on Earth,” while in reality, it becomes nothing more than a memory of a vanished rain-soaked past.