In Jammu and Kashmir, the Watershed Yatra, under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0), was inaugurated by the Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Cooperatives, Javed Ahmad Dar, from Hiranagar in Kathua district.
The Minister, Javed Ahmad Dar, while speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the “Watershed Yatra,” highlighted the growing environmental concerns due to urbanisation and industrial expansion. He emphasised that the development should be accomplished only in consonance with the ecological balance. He urged the people to become part of the Yatra for their contribution towards the protection of our environment against more degradation. He stressed the urgency of preserving natural resources, particularly water bodies and forest cover, to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure sustainable growth.
The minister also said that the watershed yatra is a significant step towards a better future. He urged the students and local communities to actively participate in environmental conservation. On the occasion, the minister also flagged off the “Watershed Yatra Van” that will traverse 2400 km across J&K, reaching over 5 lakh residents through interactive workshops, community activities, and awareness drives.
The campaign, running until March 1, 2025, will conclude in Jammu, showcasing advanced techniques in watershed conservation, soil health enhancement, and rainwater harvesting. So far, the Watershed Yatra covered Samba and Udhampur districts of the Jammu division and witnessed massive gatherings of participants and celebrations marked by vibrant cultural programs featuring nukkad nataks, songs, speeches, and other performances that highlighted the importance of watershed development and environmental conservation.
The primary aim of this campaign is to encourage public participation and raise awareness about watershed development under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 across all states and UTs in India. The Watershed Yatra is not just an awareness drive; it is a movement to inspire communities to adopt watershed development practices and contribute to the national goals of water security and agricultural sustainability.
