my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 21 Jan: The Watershed Festival 2025–26 was organised today in Satpuli Nagar Panchayat under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) – Watershed Development Component, under the chairmanship of Cabinet Minister and Chaubattakhal MLA, Satpal Maharaj.
After inspecting the departmental stalls, the Cabinet Minister inaugurated the offices of climate-resilient rainfed agriculture project units established at Maithanaghat, Syunsi, and Farsadi in Birokhal. On this occasion, detailed information was shared regarding the activities being carried out under PMKSY–Watershed Development Component 2.0, Uttarakhand Climate-Resilient Rainfed Agriculture Project, Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA), Green Agriculture Project, and GEF-6 Project as part of the Watershed Festival 2025–26.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Satpal Maharaj stated that water conservation and proper management of water resources are extremely vital for the sustainable development of a hill state like Uttarakhand. He emphasised that watershed schemes are enabling rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of water sources, expansion of irrigation facilities, and creation of new livelihood opportunities in rural areas. He further stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the Watershed Development Component is bringing greenery back to drought-prone areas, increasing farmers’ incomes, and taking concrete steps toward making villages water-secure.
Secretary, Watershed Development, Dilip Javalekar, stated that under Watershed Development Component 2.0, projects are being implemented using a scientific, participatory, and results-based approach. He explained that the objective of watershed projects is not merely to create structures, but to conserve water, protect soil, and enhance people’s incomes. These initiatives have led to improvements in groundwater levels, land productivity, and a reduction in the risks associated with natural disasters.
Project Director, GEF-6, Kahkasha Naseem, said that watershed projects are being designed and implemented with climate change considerations in mind. Through GEF-6, Green Agriculture, and Spring and River Rejuvenation projects, drying springs and streams are being revived, soil conservation is being strengthened, and environment-friendly agriculture is being promoted. These efforts are significantly enhancing the climate resilience of rural communities.
Through the Watershed Festival 2025–26, special emphasis was laid on water conservation and rejuvenation of water sources, strengthening agriculture and rural livelihoods, environmental protection and climate change adaptation, and local development through public participation. Under the programme, information was shared about ongoing efforts related to rainwater harvesting, spring revival, soil conservation, green agriculture, enhancement of farmers’ incomes, and making villages water-secure. On this occasion, outstanding farmers and villages under watershed projects were honoured with mementos.
The programme was attended by Satpuli Nagar Panchayat President Jitendra Chauhan, DFO Mahatim Yadav, Joint Director (Watershed) Anuj Kumar Dimri, Deputy Director (Watershed) Dr DS Rawat, Block Pramukh, Pauri, Asmita Negi, Block Pramukh, Kaljikhal, Geeta Devi, District BJP President Kamal Kishore Rawat, along with a large number of beneficiaries and local citizens.
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