Executive Summary: Rain is crucial for the survival of the living beings, from microorganisms to large animals including us, the human beings. The unifying role of the global water cycle makes it important to study rainfall and this study is essential for a deeper understanding of the Earth as a system. The effects of rainfall go well beyond to penetrate our everyday lives and become an inseparable part of it. The role of rainfall on our culture and tradition cannot be ignored. Every human community in any corner of the world is influenced by it and accommodate their lifestyle according to the rainfall received in that region. In India, rainfall influences our food habit, our shelters, clothes and even our music.
Sohra (Cherrapunji), a sub divisional town in the north-east Indian State of Meghalaya, is renowned as the second wettest place on Earth. Therefore,
Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) has planned to set up a Rain Museum at Sohra.
Creative Museum Designers (CMD) has been chosen by MBDA to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Rain Museum.
CMD has completed the DPR in all respect and the estimated project value of the complete project is around Rs. 506 crore. The total project is envisaged on a table top land, measuring 42 acres. Being table top, the land is devoid of any agricultural earth. The land does not hold any water also. However, the project has been designed to have its own vegetative land and the whole project is designed in such a way that it is self-sufficient in its total water requirement. The complete project has been divided in three major parts:
- Landscaping of the whole area
- Designing of the main museum complex
- Designing of the Observatory
DPR is prepared separately for all three of them.
Names of the Galleries: There will be three major themes on which the galleries will be based. They are as follows:
- Gallery on Science of Rain
- Gallery on Rain in our Society and Culture
- Gallery on Heritage of Sohra and Khasi Culture
Visitors’ facilities & Infrastructural facilities of the project: The DPR proposes to provide the following facilities also:
- 3D Theatre for showing interesting things
- Auditorium
- A well-equipped library
- 8 m. dia dome theatre
- Outdoor attractions etc.
Conclusion: The whole project has been designed in such a way that after completion, the project will act as a catalytic support for further economic development of the region. Tremendous economic activity is expected based on tourism in and around rain museum.
