Srinagar, Oct 01 (KNS): The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in collaboration with Government of India is going to organise Special Gram Sabhas in 198 Gram Panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir on October 2 to create awareness about watershed development initiatives and encourage community participation in the conservation of soil and water resources.

The Special Gram Sabhas will cover 19 Watershed Development Projects and will provide a platform for local communities to learn about watershed interventions, participate in planning and assume an active role in the creation and long-term maintenance of water-harvesting and soil-conservation assets.

The activities will focus on generating awareness about the benefits of watershed development, including improved water availability, reduced soil erosion, restoration of degraded land, enhanced agricultural productivity and increased livelihood opportunities for rural communities.

Subsequently, similar awareness activities are proposed to be held at around 80 locations at the district and project levels.

Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, said the Special Gram Sabhas would strengthen community ownership of watershed projects and ensure that development interventions reflect local needs.

“Watershed development can deliver sustainable results only when local communities are fully involved in its planning, implementation and maintenance. Through these Special Gram Sabhas, we aim to take information directly to the people, listen to their priorities and encourage collective responsibility for conserving soil and water resources,” Kumar said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He called upon the district and project-level implementing agencies to activate their field machinery, ensure wide public participation and explain the various watershed development interventions to farmers and rural households in simple and accessible language.

Under watershed development programmes, approximately 53,619 hectares have been covered in Jammu and Kashmir. Given the Union Territory’s hilly and difficult terrain, the financial provision has been enhanced from ?15,000 to ?28,000 per hectare, enabling more effective soil and water conservation works.

The project duration has also been reduced from seven years to five years to accelerate implementation and ensure that farmers receive benefits within a shorter period. The programme promotes quality seeds and saplings, improved agricultural implements, crop diversification, horticulture, agroforestry and other interventions suited to local agro-climatic conditions.

Special attention is also being given to springshed development in the mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir. More than 550 springs have been rejuvenated or developed, with preliminary data indicating an increase of up to three times in spring discharge and longer availability of water.

The initiative seeks to make watershed development a people-led movement by involving communities in the protection of natural resources and the development of water-secure villages, resilient agriculture and sustainable rural livelihoods.(KNS)