Shillong, March 19 : The Meghalaya State Watershed & Watershed Development Agency, under the Directorate of Soil & Water Conservation, launched the “Watershed Yatra,” an awareness campaign combined with a sale of products by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) nurtured under the New Generation Watershed Development Programme of the Watershed Development Component- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).
Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, stressed the importance of water and soil as the lifelines of agriculture, emphasizing that their preservation is a shared responsibility. She called for convergent programs involving communities, church leaders, and civil society. “The Watershed Yatra is a symbol of our commitment to reaching every district in the state,” she stated, emphasizing the need to educate communities about protecting water resources.
Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of Soil & Water Conservation Department, highlighted Meghalaya’s successful implementation of the PMKSY flagship programs, noting the state’s consistent ranking among the top 10 performers. He informed that Meghalaya has 2,776 micro watershed projects, with over 1,000 SHGs playing a crucial role in their implementation.
The Minister flagged off the “Watershed Yatra” Van and released the annual report of the Soil & Water Conservation Department. She also presented awards to “Watershed Warriors” in recognition of their contributions.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including R.S. Gill, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Meghalaya, and other senior officials, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement in watershed management.
