Jammu, Dec 24: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department, and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday said that watershed development plays a vital role in uplifting rural areas, enhancing water security, and strengthening the agricultural sector.
He made these remarks 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 emphasised the importance of public participation (Jan Bhagidarī) in watershed management, revitalisation of existing watershed assets, and transforming rural areas through sustainable practices. He appreciated the efforts of the department and the Government of India-sponsored schemes aimed at conserving groundwater resources for present and future generations.
Dar 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, the minister 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 undertaken several initiatives to protect the environment.
Dar directed officers to give special focus to rain-fed areas of Jammu and Kashmir divisions. He pointed out that the Kandi areas of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts possess significant potential; therefore, a maximum number of IWMP projects should be implemented in these regions. He 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 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 the conservation of natural resources, which can only be achieved when ownership of these resources is entrusted to the people.
“It is encouraging that more than 6,000 people participated in the recently conducted Watershed Yatra,” Asad said. He added that significant work has been carried out under the Watershed Programme across Jammu and Kashmir, and based on outstanding performance, 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. Additionally, documentary clips showcasing the achievements of each winning district were screened.
The event was attended by Secretary, 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.
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