The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Baramulla today organized a day long orientation cum Sensitization programme at Kachwamuqam village of Wagoora area.The programme marked overwhelming participation of different stakeholders including PRIs, Watershed Development Committee Members, civil society members, SHG members, functionaries of line departments etc from Wagoora and its adjoining areas.
Programme was organized under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) with the aim to educate and sensitize the concerned stakeholders about different means and measures so that the programme is effectively implemented for productive and judicious utilization of water resources.
Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Baramulla, Safeena Beigh presided over the orientation programme.At the outset, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, who is also the Project Manager IWMP Baramulla, presented the valedictory address and gave a detailed sketch about IWMP and its salient features.
He informed that the programme is being implemented by the State level Nodal Agency with the vision of extending the coverage of irrigation and improving water use efficiency in an integrated and focused manner.
The ACP also informed the range of activities undertaken under IWMP so as to realize the basic purpose of the IWMP project.In her address, the DDC Chairperson complimented the RDD for its tireless endeavors and emphasized upon the authorities to ensure that the project is implemented in letter and spirit.
She underlined the need for productive and judicious utilization of water resources adding that water is a precious resource and it is our collective responsibility to preserve it.She also added that the need of the hour is to adopt latest and scientific methodologies like rainwater harvesting and Spring rejuvenation measures which have immense potential benefits from agriculture and horticultural perspectives.
The DDC Chairperson also urged upon the Sarpanchs, who are Watershed Development Committee (WDC) Chairpersons to play their active part and monitor the developmental works undertaken in their respective areas.
Meanwhile, the DDC Chairperson formally inaugurated the IWMP project WDC 02 worth Rs 20.55 crore under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme.Chief Agriculture Officer Baramulla also spoke at the event and highlighted soil and water conservation measures that can be taken to maximize the farming yield.