Stresses youth participation, climate readiness, integrated water mgmt
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Nov 26: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta today launched the State Level Watershed Mahotsav under the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0 at the DC Conference Hall, Leh.
The event focused on strengthening water conservation, improving irrigation systems and promoting sustainable land use in Ladakh’s cold-arid region.
Marking National Constitution Day, the Lt Governor also administered the pledge, reiterating commitment to national integrity and constitutional values.
Addressing the gathering, he said Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem-dependent on glaciers, snowmelt and minimal rainfall-makes watershed planning essential for long-term water security and climate-resilient agriculture.
He added that the Mahotsav is a community-driven campaign, not merely a Government initiative.
The LG appreciated the involvement of farmers, women self-help groups, youth volunteers, PRI members and cultural groups.
He said their contribution through Shramdaan, plantation drives, revival of traditional water sources and support in new watershed works ensures community ownership and sustainability.
He also recalled the Prime Minister’s emphasis on water conservation as a people’s movement, highlighting schemes such as Catch the Rain, Amrit Sarovar Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission and PMKSY.
Reaffirming the UT Administration’s commitment, the Lt Governor announced that PMKSY, MGNREGA and Rural Development programmes will be integrated to strengthen water harvesting structures, enhance irrigation capacity, reduce soil erosion and support sustainable livelihoods across all panchayats.
He said Ladakh will continue to scale up water-related initiatives and work towards doubling farmers’ income under WDC-PMKSY 3.0.
Calling the Mahotsav a major inspiration for youth, he said activities such as awareness rallies, expert sessions, demonstrations and plantation drives will help young people understand their role in environmental conservation.
He urged citizens to pledge their commitment to safeguarding water resources and building a clean and sustainable Ladakh.
Earlier, Administrative Secretary RDD & PR Shanshanka Ala informed that PMKSY 2.0 will conclude in 2026, followed by PMKSY 3.0, which will focus more on local techniques for stable and high-yield cultivation.
State Coordinator Shahnaz informed that 11 watershed projects-six in Leh and five in Kargil-are under implementation, along with 36 micro-watershed projects involving greenhouses, reservoir tanks, percolation tanks, irrigation khuls and springshed development.
Deputy Commissioner Leh and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
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