Highlighting on the importance of PMKSY watershed development, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan has called for effective utilisation of water, while asserting that water was the basis of everything. “Whatever cultivation we do with scientific intervention also, without water nothing will grow from the soil.” He said this while speaking as the chief guest, during the culmination programme of PMKSY- WDC Projects under batches IV, V & VI, Dimapur district at IMC Hall, here on Friday.
He noted that years back, rainfall was consistent and predictable because of which there were hardly any crop failure and no dearth of water scarcity.
Today, due to the unpredictable monsoon, climate change, increase in urban population there was pressure on land and all these leads to water scarcity, and for which the government is focussing the issue through PMKSY water shed projects, he maintained. Rajesh also advised the youth for taking up such projects professionally and encouraged the department and elders for motivating them. He appreciated the officials of LRD for doing commendable job and encouraged them to keep up even during the next phase and said that the department has the potential for setting a benchmark for other districts and states as well.
On the occasion, the chief guest also declared the WDF and handed over to different villages.
DPO, LRD, Dimapur, I. Acato Chishi gave a power point presentation highlighting on the activities taken up under PMKSY programme. He informed that under batch 1V, 4 micro watersheds was taken up, under batch V, 12 micro watersheds covering 4000 hectares each and under batch VI, 8 micro watersheds in 8 villages covering 4000 hectares has been taken up. He also shed light on the promotion of livelihood activities taken up by the department including piggery, basket making and promoting SHGs.
He further said that the department has a target for establishing and promoting 400 permaculture home kitchen gardens. Acato attributed Nagaland as one of the most successful state in India, for implementing PMKSY Projects.
Deputy Director and supervisory officer for Dimapur district, LRD, Puvil Kikhi, encouraged for saving the jungle and for promoting permaculture (backyard kitchen garden) in order to protect the environment.
Watershed committee members lauded the department for supporting the beneficiaries and uplifting them with commitment and sincerity. Assistant Inspector, LRD Dimapur, Orenthung Odyuo proposed the vote of thanks. Along with the beneficiaries, special guest from different departments also attended the programme.