JAMMU: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today said that watershed development plays a vital role in uplifting the rural areas, enhancing water security and strengthening the agricultural sector.
He said this while addressing the Watershed Mahostav 2025 celebration organised by the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), J&K, under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj at Panchayat Bhawan, Railway Road, Jammu.
The Minister emphasized the importance of public participation (Jan Bhagidari) in watershed management, revitalisation of the existing watershed assets and transformation of rural areas through sustainable practices. He appreciated the efforts of the department and the Government of India-sponsored schemes aimed at conserving the groundwater resources for present and future generations.
The Minister stressed the need for transparency and accountability at the grassroots level during project execution to ensure effective service delivery to the people.
Highlighting global warming as one of the biggest challenges facing the world today, he said that every living being is affected by this growing threat. He added that the Government of India and the Omar Abdullah-led Government in Jammu and Kashmir have taken several initiatives to protect the environment.
Javid Ahmad Dar directed the officers to give special focus to rain-fed areas of the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. He pointed out that the Kandi areas of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts possess significant potential and therefore a maximum number of IWMP projects should be implemented in these regions.
He also appealed to Watershed Committees and their Chairpersons to ensure genuine and need-based works so that the intended beneficiaries fully reap the benefits of these projects.
The Minister underlined that watershed development is crucial for uplifting the rural areas and strengthening the agricultural sector.
On the occasion, Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, stated that the primary objective of the Watershed Programme is conservation of natural resources and such conservation can only be achieved when ownership of these resources is entrusted to the people.
He said that it is encouraging that more than 6,000 people participated in the recently conducted Watershed Yatra. He said that significant work has been carried out under the Watershed Programme across Jammu and Kashmir, and on the basis of outstanding performance, the districts have been honoured with awards.
During the event, three districts, Budgam, Rajouri and Poonch were awarded Rs 20 lakh each for outstanding performance under watershed initiatives.
Besides, documentary clips showcasing the achievements of each winning district were also screened on the occasion.
The event was attended by Secretary in RDD & PR Department, Rachna Sharma; Director, RDD Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat; Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal; Director RDD, Jammu Shehnaz Akhtar; Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, Rajnish Kumar and others.
