 Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 2: Bhalwal in Jammu hosted a significant event as part of the nationwide 'Watershed Yatra' campaign under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY
2.0). This campaign, initiated on February 5, 2025, aimed to enhance water conservation, promote sustainable land management, and empower local communities through effective watershed development strategies.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including Hon'ble District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Shri Bharat Bhushan, Hon'ble MLA North Jammu Shri Sham Lal Sharma, many prominent Ex-PRI Members, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Jammu, Shahzada Noor UI Ain, Block Development Officer Bhalwal Dr.Sunil Sharma, and officials of RD&PR, ICDS, NRLM(UMEED),
PDD.A huge gathering of local residents of Block Bhalwal also participated in the event.
A highlight of the event was the e-inauguration of various watershed developmental works aimed at improving local soil and water conservation practices.
The dignitaries addressed the gathering, emphasizing the critical importance of watershed management.
They highlighted that effective watershed development is essential for improving soil moisture, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
The 'Watershed Yatra' campaign, which commenced on February 5, 2025, included a state-of-the-art 'Watershed Yatra Van' equipped with Augmented Reality (AR) tools and digital demonstrations. This van has traversed approximately 2,400 km across Jammu and Kashmir, targeted over 500,000 residents through interactive workshops, community activities, and awareness drives. The campaign has today culminated in Jammu, showcasing cutting-edge techniques in watershed conservation, soil health enhancement, and rainwater harvesting.
The event in Bhalwal reflects the collective commitment of local leaders and officials to promote sustainable water management practices, aligning with the broader objectives of the 'Watershed Yatra' campaign.
Chairman DDC Jammu Shri Bharat Bushan, highlighted the importance of watershed schemes and also jointly exorted the participants to avail maximum benifits of PMSURVA scheme and SBM(G) and appealed people to keep your surroundings visually clean and construct more and more soakage pits and composite pits so that real objective of SBM(G) and mission of Hon'able Primer Minister of India is achieved.The event concluded after plantation under the theme EK Ped Maa Kay Naam and flagging off Watershed Yatra Vehicle by the dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble MLA North Jammu Shri Sham Lal Sha rma Ji spoke about the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and rural development, highlighting key initiatives that align with the Prime Minister’s vision for a sustainable India.
He underscored the significance of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which encourages solar energy adoption by allowing households to install solar panels, thereby reducing electricity costs and promoting clean and renewable energy. He urged residents to take full advantage of this scheme, emphasizing that solar power is the future and a crucial step towards energy self-sufficiency.
Shifting focus to water conservation, Shri Sham Lal Sharma Ji stressed the importance of sustainable water management and called for community-driven efforts in rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and soakage pit construction to preserve groundwater resources and ensure efficient irrigation.
He encouraged farmers and households to adopt water-saving techniques as a fundamental step toward securing a sustainable future.
He also highlighted the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) [SBM(G)], emphasizing the role of clean surroundings and effective waste management in ensuring a healthier society.
He appealed to the public to build soakage pits, compost pits, and actively participate in cleanliness drives, reinforcing the government’s vision of a Swachh and Swasth Bharat. |
