Srinagar: The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), in collaboration with the Government of India, will organise Special Gram Sabhas in 198 Gram Panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir on October 2 to raise awareness about watershed development and promote community participation in soil and water conservation.
According to officials, the initiative will cover 19 watershed development projects and provide a platform for local communities to learn about watershed interventions, participate in planning and contribute to the creation and maintenance of water-harvesting and soil-conservation assets.
The Gram Sabhas will focus on generating awareness about the benefits of watershed development, including improved water availability, reduced soil erosion, restoration of degraded land, higher agricultural productivity and enhanced livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Officials said similar awareness programmes are also planned at around 80 locations at the district and project levels.
Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, Rajnish Kumar said the initiative aims to strengthen community ownership of watershed projects and ensure that development interventions are aligned with local needs.
He urged district and project-level implementing agencies to ensure wide public participation and explain watershed development measures to farmers and rural households in simple and accessible language.
Under watershed development programmes, around 53,619 hectares have been covered across Jammu and Kashmir. Given the Union Territory’s hilly terrain, the financial assistance has been enhanced from ₹15,000 to ₹28,000 per hectare to support more effective soil and water conservation works.
Officials said the project duration has also been reduced from seven years to five years to accelerate implementation. The programme supports quality seeds and saplings, improved agricultural tools, crop diversification, horticulture, agroforestry and other interventions suited to local conditions.
Special emphasis is being laid on springshed development in mountainous areas. According to IWMP, more than 550 springs have been rejuvenated or developed, with preliminary data indicating up to a three-fold increase in spring discharge and improved water availability.
The programme aims to encourage community-led conservation efforts and promote water security, climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable rural livelihoods across the region.