A workshop on springshed management and review meeting on the implementation of Watershed Development Component (WDC 2.0) works of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in Northeast states was held from October 18 and 19 in Kohima.
A press release by media cell of directorate of Land Resources, Kohima informed that officials of the Government of India, Ministry of Rural Development, department of Land Resources headed by the joint secretary, Nitin Khade chaired the meeting. He was accompanied by senior officers and staff from the Watershed management division.
Altogether, 14 states from across the country and renowned agencies working in springshed management such as National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), NER, Guwahati, Advanced centre for water resources development and management (ACWADAM), Pune and People’s Science institute (PSI), Dehradun participated in the workshop and had shared their experiences on Springshed management works.
It may be mentioned that NER states viz, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Nagaland were some of pioneering states implementing Springshed related works. Nagaland is the first state in the country to implement Springshed development works under PMKSY-WDC 1.0 project.
On the second day, the delegates visited a springshed management pilot project site at Thizama, Kohima to learn from the actual field implementation.
Two hydrogeologists, Mukesh Patil from ACWADAM Pune and Shyam Yawale from PSI Dehradun made field demonstrations on spring type, rock types, geological formations and identification of recharge zone for most effective spring rejuvenation measures.
It was followed by a visit to Chaüchaliekie spring which was rejuvenated during 2017-18 and the water was used for irrigation as well as for drinking purpose.
The ministry officials also reviewed the progress on the implementation of Watershed Development Component (WDC 2.0) works of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in the North Eastern Region.
All the NER states presented brief PowerPoints on the status of the works completed so far against the targets planned in the DPRs.