Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, inaugurated the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) 2.0 at the DC Conference Hall, Leh, on November 26. The event underscored the need for community participation, sustainable water management, and long-term ecological balance in the cold-arid Himalayan region.

The programme aims to strengthen water conservation, improve irrigation facilities, and optimise land use to boost 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 the core values of the Constitution.

In his address, the Lt Governor stressed the transformative importance of watershed-based planning for Ladakh’s future. He said Ladakh’s unique geography—characterised by glaciers, snowmelt-dependent water systems, and minimal rainfall—makes water conservation a critical priority. Watershed development, he stated, provides a dependable and long-term model for water security, climate-resilient agriculture, and livelihood improvement.

Calling the Mahotsav a jan-andolan, he praised the participation of farmers, women self-help groups, youth volunteers, PRI members, and cultural groups. Their involvement in Shramdaan, plantation drives, rejuvenation of traditional water sources, and decision-making processes, he said, would ensure true community ownership and sustainability of watershed assets.

The Lt Governor also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making water conservation a people-led movement, reflected in schemes such as Catch the Rain, Amrit Sarovar Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and PMKSY. He noted that Ladakh, despite its challenges, remains committed to advancing this vision of water-secure villages, productive agriculture, and ecological balance.

Reaffirming the UT Administration’s commitment, Kavinder Gupta announced that PMKSY, MGNREGA, and Rural Development programmes would be integrated to strengthen water-harvesting structures, expand irrigation capacity, reduce soil erosion, and support sustainable livelihoods across all panchayats in Ladakh. He added that under WDC-PMKSY 3.0, Ladakh will continue its efforts to enhance water security and increase farmers’ income.

Emphasizing the role of youth, the Lt Governor said activities such as awareness rallies, expert interactions, technical demonstrations, Pani ki Pathshala, and plantation drives would encourage young people to understand and embrace their environmental responsibilities. “The energy and enthusiasm of our youth will shape Ladakh into a water-secure and eco-friendly region,” he said.

He urged all citizens to pledge their commitment to protecting water resources, rejuvenating traditional systems, and building a sustainable and prosperous Ladakh for future generations.

Earlier, Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, Shanshanka Ala, IAS, informed that WDC-PMKSY 2.0 will conclude in 2026, after which WDC-PMKSY 3.0 will be introduced with greater emphasis on local techniques, stable cultivation, and higher benefits for farmers.

State Coordinator Shahnaz reported that 11 watershed projects—six in Leh and five in Kargil—are currently under implementation, along with 36 micro-watershed projects across both districts. These include polycarbonate greenhouses, reservoir tanks (dzings), percolation tanks, irrigation khuls, and spring and springshed development works.

Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, ADDC Leh Sonam Nurboo, ADC Leh Ghulam Mohd, directors and heads of departments, Block Development Officers, community members, watershed teams, and other officials.