MANGAN: The Watershed Yatra campaign under the water development component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) 2.0 Sikkim, was organised at Lingchom Tingda GPK by the Project Implementing Agency under the State-level Nodal Agency of the Forest & Environment Department on February 8.
The event was attended by Mr James Saring Lepcha (former DFO) as the chief guest and Mr Om Nath Adhikari (AD) as the guest of honour. Also in attendance were Mr Pempa Dadul Lachenpa (DFO), Ms Santa Subba (ACF), Mr Santosh Bagdas (ACF), Mr Norden Tshering Bhutia (RO), Mr Sonam Gyatso Bhutia (Chairperson, Watershed), the Panchayat president, Panchayat members and staff from the Forest Department.
Following that, Mr Tridav Nath and Mr Naba Jyoti Nath arrived with a watershed truck from Assam. They have been travelling across India, to raise awareness about water conservation representing the Government of India. The Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY) is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to improve natural resource management and help farmers adapt to climate change. The central scheme is fully supported by state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
The event began with a swearing ceremony and Bhumi pooja (Rabney) and a short rally from the roadside to GPK. The rally aimed to raise awareness about saving and conserving water.
Welcome speech was delivered by Ms Cheden Lepcha (Panchayat Member).
The event featured a cultural programme during which tokens of appreciation were presented to the participants and a brief play on farming was performed by the Social Forestry staff from Mangan, highlighting sustainable practices in agriculture.
Progressive farmers were awarded with certificates or their innovative farming practices and a video showcasing their fields and techniques was played and appreciated.
Mr Sonam Gyatso Bhutia encouraged and motivated the community to engage in farming.
Mr Jigmee Hissey Bhutia gave a presentation on progressive farming and asked the department and the farmers to maintain a register for transparency and the effectivness of the scheme.
Mr James delivered a comprehensive presentation on the watershed Yatra campaign, explaining its objectives and the strategies being employed to enhance water conservation efforts in the region. He emphasised that social awareness is a crucial component of the campaign’s success, urging everyone present to take an active role in promoting sustainable water practices.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Shanta Subba.
- IPR Report
