The Governor of Manipur today graced the Watershed Mahotsav held in Imphal, underscoring the critical role of community participation in ensuring the long-term success of watershed development initiatives under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development Component (PMKSY–WDC) 2.0.
Addressing officials, field workers, and community representatives, the Governor described watershed development as more than a technical programme, calling it a people-driven effort to protect land, water, and livelihoods in rain-dependent regions.
Focus on Sustainable Land and Water Management
Highlighting the objectives of PMKSY–WDC 2.0, the Governor said the programme plays a vital role in restoring degraded and rainfed lands, improving soil moisture, conserving water resources, and strengthening rural resilience against climate stress.
He noted that effective watershed management directly impacts agricultural productivity, drinking water availability, and ecological balance, particularly in hill and semi-hill regions like Manipur.
“Sustainability is not built by schemes alone. It is sustained when communities take ownership,” the Governor remarked, stressing that local involvement is essential from planning to execution and maintenance.
Recognition for Performance and Grassroots Effort
During the event, the Governor, along with the Chief Secretary of Manipur, felicitated best-performing districts and Watershed Committees for their exemplary work under the programme.
The awards recognised districts and community institutions that demonstrated effective implementation, transparency, and tangible outcomes in water conservation, land treatment, and livelihood support.
Officials said the recognition was meant to encourage healthy competition and inspire other districts to strengthen field-level execution.
Launch of Key Programme Initiatives
As part of the Mahotsav, several key initiatives under PMKSY–WDC 2.0 were formally launched, aimed at improving monitoring, community engagement, and technical efficiency in watershed projects.
Senior officials highlighted that the new phase of the programme places stronger emphasis on:
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Participatory planning
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Convergence with allied rural development schemes
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Capacity building of local watershed committees
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Long-term asset maintenance by beneficiary communities
Community Participation Highlighted as the Core Strength
Speakers at the event repeatedly returned to one central message: watershed development succeeds only when local communities see the assets as their own.
From contour trenches and check dams to plantation drives and moisture conservation works, community stewardship was described as the decisive factor that determines whether projects endure beyond the funding cycle.
The Watershed Mahotsav concluded with a collective call to deepen people’s involvement, strengthen coordination among departments, and ensure that environmental restoration translates into lasting rural prosperity.