Introduction:
Cherrapunji and Shillong are two cities located in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, India. Cherrapunji is known for its exceptionally high rainfall, while Shillong receives significantly less rainfall and faces water scarcity. This stark difference can be attributed to various geographical and climatic factors.

1. Geographical Location:
- Cherrapunji is situated in the Khasi Hills, at an elevation of around 1,300 meters above sea level.
- Shillong, on the other hand, is located at a higher elevation of approximately 1,496 meters above sea level.

2. Orographic Rainfall:
- Cherrapunji is located on the windward side of the Khasi Hills, facing the Bay of Bengal.
- As the moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal approach the hills, they are forced to ascend due to the topography.
- The rising air cools, leading to condensation and the formation of clouds.
- The clouds then release heavy rainfall over Cherrapunji, known as orographic rainfall.

3. Rain Shadow Effect:
- Shillong, being situated on the leeward side of the Khasi Hills, experiences the rain shadow effect.
- As the moist winds ascend the windward side, they lose most of their moisture, resulting in reduced rainfall on the other side.
- This phenomenon is known as the rain shadow effect, leading to comparatively lower rainfall in Shillong.

4. Elevation and Temperature:
- The higher elevation of Shillong compared to Cherrapunji affects the rainfall pattern.
- As air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to rainfall.
- However, at higher altitudes, the air is already cooler, resulting in less condensation and rainfall.
- Shillong's higher elevation contributes to its lower rainfall compared to Cherrapunji.

5. Topography and Drainage:
- Cherrapunji has a rugged topography with steep slopes, allowing rainwater to quickly flow downhill.
- The region has numerous rivers and waterfalls, facilitating efficient drainage and water availability.
- In contrast, Shillong has a relatively flatter terrain, causing water to accumulate in stagnant ponds and lakes, resulting in water scarcity.

Conclusion:
The stark difference in rainfall between Cherrapunji and Shillong can be attributed to various factors such as geographical location, orographic rainfall, rain shadow effect, elevation, topography, and drainage patterns. While Cherrapunji receives abundant rainfall due to its windward position and favorable topography, Shillong experiences water scarcity due to its leeward location and higher elevation.