Umiam Lake: The Jewel of Meghalaya’s Highlands
Nestled in the serene hills of Meghalaya, about 15 kilometers north of Shillong, lies the breathtaking Umiam Lake also known locally as Barapani, meaning “Big Water.” This man-made reservoir, created by damming the Umiam River in the mid-1960s, is not only a marvel of engineering but also a vital ecological and economic asset to the region. As the first hydel power project in Northeast India, Umiam Lake has played a pivotal role in shaping the development trajectory of Meghalaya while offering a tranquil escape into nature’s lap.