Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula reviewed the implementation of action plans approved under Watershed Development Component-PMKSY 2.0 on December 17 and discussed the steps required for their timely execution and efficient functioning.

Director, Rural Development Leh Tahir Hussain made a detailed presentation regarding the strategy of execution and progress of the scheduled projects in the districts of Leh and Kargil. 

Further, he informed that the entry point activities in all the 11 approved projects within WDC 2.0 will commence shortly and the DPRs for all micro-watershed projects are under preparation.

Advisor Narula, emphasized that the objective of Watershed development must not be limited to the rejuvenation of springs, construction of bunds, repairs and construction of ponds, etc but should be extended to achieving broader objectives such as the promotion of agriculture/horticulture activities in barren lands using techniques such as high-density plantation, drip irrigation system, etc thus generating livelihood through the involvement of the community.

Deliberations were held on using domain experts for the preparation of DPRs, capacity building of the stakeholders, and strengthening the State level Nodal Agency for smooth and productive implementation of the projects in a time-bound manner.

Advisor Narula also enquired about targets achieved under Mission Amrit Sarovar and directed the concerned departments to expedite works to achieve the target and prepare comparative before–after data to bring out the benefits post the project.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary RDD Saugat Biswas, DC Kargil Santosh Sukhdeve, ADC Leh Sonam Chosjor, BDOs Leh & Kargil and other officials.