Minister Bhoj Raj Rai Attends Water Conservation Drive at Mamley with Mass Outreach Programme

The event aimed to raise awareness about watershed management, soil conservation, and sustainable water use, crucial for ensuring long-term agricultural and environmental stability.

Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Department, Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, attended as the Chief Guest.

He began his speech with the phrase, ‘Pani Jeevan Ho, Jeevan Sansaar Ho’ and emphasised the importance of community participation in watershed conservation efforts. He praised the efforts of Social Forestry Division and encouraged local farmers, students, and community leaders to adopt water conservation techniques such as rainwater harvesting and afforestation. He stressed that watershed management is not solely a government responsibility but a collective duty requiring proactive engagement at all levels.

The program featured various activities, including a Prabhat Pheri (Short Rally) where participants held placards with messages like “Catch the Rain Before It Drains” and “Pani Bachane Ka Samay Aa Gaya Hai”, emphasizing the urgency of water conservation.

A Bhoomi Pooja was also conducted for the installation of a rooftop rainwater harvesting system. The event also featured Watershed Yatra theme song performed by the students of Mamley Jr. High School, cultural performances and informative sessions collectively.

Divisional Forest Officer Social Forestry (DFO/SF) Ms Marmit Lepcha, in her address, provided an overview of the Watershed Yatra Campaign and its role in promoting sustainable water conservation. She highlighted the impact of watershed development initiatives in improving soil health, groundwater recharge, and agricultural productivity, while emphasising the need for a community based participation for the same.

Reinforcing the commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, a pledge was also taken for water and soil conversation by the guests and all the attendees.

One of the key highlights of the event was the felicitation of ” Watershed Margdarshaks”- where Individuals were recognised for their contributions to watershed development. Their success stories and experiences were shared with attendees, inspiring greater grassroots involvement.

A theatrical play titled “Zameen Aur Pani Ki Raksha – Bhavishya Ki Suraksha” provided an overview of the Watershed Yatra and emphasised the urgency of environmental conservation, while a video screening showcased past achievements of watershed management projects in the region.

Panchayat President of Mamley GPU, Mr Krishna Kr Manger, spoke about the positive impact of the Watershed Yatra Campaign on the people of Mamley GPU. He provided a brief overview of past achievements and projects completed under WDC-PMKSY 2.0. Expressing his gratitude, he thanked the State Government and the Forest & Environment Department for their continuous support.

The Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0 is a national initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and improving water security in rural areas through scientific watershed management. The program integrates soil and water conservation methods to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce climate-related risks, and ensure sustainable livelihoods. By promoting rainwater harvesting, afforestation, and sustainable farming practices, the scheme helps communities build resilience against water scarcity and soil degradation.

Present during the programme were ACFs(SF) Ms Sabi Gadaily and Ms Beenamit Lepcha, RO(SF) Ms Rekha Chettri, BOs(SF) Mr Basdai Khanal and Mr Bholak Koirala, HFG (SF) Mr Mousam Pradhan, HA(SF) Mr Lendup D Sherpa, PC(SF) Mr Rachit Dewan, Zilla Panchayats and other officials from Social Forestry Division, F&ED.

The Watershed Yatra Campaign continues to be a crucial initiative in Sikkim’s efforts to combat climate change, prevent soil erosion, and promote sustainable water resource management. By integrating modern conservation techniques with traditional knowledge, the program fosters community resilience and encourages responsible environmental practices. With ongoing participation and government support, it aims to create lasting solutions for water conservation and ecological sustainability.