In a significant step towards promoting water conservation and sustainable resource management, District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Advocate Choudhary Naseem Liaqat alongside Member Legislative Assembly Iftekhar Ahmed and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abhishek Sharma today launched the Watershed Yatra in the district.
The Watershed Yatra is a nationwide outreach initiative aimed at fostering Janbhagidari (people’s participation) and raising awareness about watershed development activities. The event commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a water conservation pledge taken by all participants, including students, civil society members and community leaders.
As part of the initiative, a mega event was organized at Block Doongi, presided over by DDC Chairman Advocate Choudhary Naseem Liaqat. Addressing the gathering, resource persons from the Rural Development Department highlighted the critical role of community participation in the success of watershed programs.
They emphasized that such initiatives are pivotal in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, improving agricultural resilience, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources. The DDC Chairman highlighted the significance of watershed management in enhancing rural livelihoods and ensuring long-term water sustainability.
He urged communities to adopt sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Rajouri Iftekhar Ahmed underscored the urgent need to conserve water for future generations.
Expressing concern over climate change, he stated that the government is taking proactive measures and urged the public to support these efforts by adopting water conservation practices.
The DC emphasized the importance of integrating watershed development activities with broader developmental schemes to maximize impact. He stated, "Convergence of IWMP with schemes like HADP and MGNREGA is crucial to ensure efficient use of resources and the overall development of rural areas.
The administration is committed to delivering long-term benefits to the people through such integrated approaches." ADDC Dr Raj Kumar Thapa elaborated on the objectives of the Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP), encouraging students to act as ambassadors of water conservation in society.
PO IWMP Sheraz Chowhan informed that the Watershed Yatra will traverse numerous locations across the district, creating platforms for interaction between farmers, experts, and local authorities to discuss challenges and solutions related to water management and sustainable farming.
He reiterated that the campaign is designed to educate and engage communities on the significance of watershed management in sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and ecosystem preservation.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to students who delivered inspiring speeches on water conservation and to community members demonstrating exceptional dedication to water management efforts.