STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Wednesday launched the State Level Watershed Mahotsav under the Watershed Development Component-Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) 2.0 at the DC Conference Hall, Leh. The event underscored the importance of community participation, sustainable water management and long-term ecological balance in Ladakh’s cold-arid Himalayan region.
The programme aims to strengthen water conservation, improve irrigation facilities and optimise land use to enhance agricultural productivity in drought-prone and desert areas. Marking National Constitution Day, the Lt Governor also administered the Constitution Day pledge, reaffirming collective commitment to national integrity and constitutional values.
Addressing the gathering, Kavinder Gupta highlighted the transformative role of watershed-based planning for Ladakh’s development. Given Ladakh’s fragile geography-characterised by glaciers, snowmelt-fed water systems and minimal rainfall-he stressed that watershed development offers a reliable model for water security, climate-resilient agriculture and livelihood enhancement.
He noted that the Mahotsav symbolises a jan-andolan, driven by active community involvement rather than merely a government programme.
The Lt Governor appreciated the enthusiastic participation of farmers, women self-help groups, youth volunteers, PRI members and cultural groups. He encouraged their continued involvement through Shramdaan, plantation drives, rejuvenation of traditional water sources and maintenance of watershed assets. Community-led decision-making in site selection, design feedback and future upkeep, he said, ensures long-term sustainability.
Kavinder Gupta also reiterated the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasises that water conservation must become a people’s movement. He stated that initiatives such as Catch the Rain, Amrit Sarovar Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission and PMKSY reflect this national commitment, and affirmed Ladakh’s dedication to advancing water-secure villages and balanced ecology.
Reaffirming the UT Administration’s resolve, he announced an integrated model combining PMKSY, MGNREGA and Rural Development programmes to strengthen water harvesting structures, expand irrigation capacity and reduce soil erosion. He added that Ladakh will continue to work toward doubling farmers’ income under WDC-PMKSY 3.0.
He further stated that youth-focused activities-awareness rallies, expert sessions, technical demonstrations, Pani ki Pathshala and plantation drives-will deepen environmental responsibility among young residents.
Earlier, RDD Secretary Shanshanka Ala, informed that WDC-PMKSY 2.0 will conclude in 2026, followed by a more locally adaptive WDC-PMKSY 3.0. State Coordinator Shahnaz shared that 11 watershed projects-six in Leh and five in Kargil-are underway, along with 36 micro-watershed projects focusing on greenhouses, reservoir tanks, percolation tanks, irrigation khuls and springshed development.
The event was attended by DC Leh Romil Singh Donk, ADDC Leh Sonam Nurboo, ADC Leh Ghulam Mohd, departmental heads, BDOs, community representatives and watershed members.
