Leh, Nov 26:
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated the State Level Watershed Mahotsav under the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0, urging stronger community participation and climate-resilient water systems to secure Ladakh’s future. The event took place at the DC Conference Hall, Leh.
Marking National Constitution Day, the Lt Governor also administered the Constitution Day pledge, reaffirming commitment to constitutional values and national integrity.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kavinder Gupta underscored the critical importance of watershed-based planning for Ladakh’s cold-arid landscape, where water resources depend heavily on glaciers and snowmelt. He said watershed development offers a long-term solution for water security, climate-resilient agriculture and rural livelihoods, calling the Mahotsav “a jan-andolan driven by people’s participation.”
The Lt Governor praised the involvement of farmers, women self-help groups, youth volunteers, PRI members and cultural groups. Their role in Shramdaan, plantation drives, rejuvenation of traditional water systems and maintenance of new structures, he noted, ensures true community ownership and sustainability.
Highlighting the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said water conservation must evolve into a people’s movement. Initiatives like Catch the Rain, Amrit Sarovar, Jal Jeevan Mission and PMKSY reflect this national commitment. Ladakh, he added, continues to play a leading role in building water-secure and ecologically balanced villages.
Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment, the Lt Governor announced that PMKSY, MGNREGA and Rural Development programmes will be integrated to strengthen water harvesting structures, expand irrigation, curb soil erosion and boost rural livelihoods across Ladakh. He further stated that the region will continue advancing towards doubling farmers’ income under WDC-PMKSY 3.0.
Calling the Mahotsav an opportunity for youth engagement, he highlighted activities such as awareness rallies, expert sessions, technical demonstrations, Pani ki Pathshala and plantation drives that will cultivate environmental responsibility among young people.
Administrative Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Ms. Shanshanka Ala, IAS, informed that WDC-PMKSY 2.0 concludes in 2026, after which WDC-PMKSY 3.0 will introduce stronger local techniques and more stable agricultural practices.
State Coordinator Ms. Shahnaz reported that 11 watershed projects—six in Leh and five in Kargil—are currently underway, along with 36 micro-watershed projects focusing on greenhouses, reservoir tanks (dzings), percolation tanks, irrigation khuls, and springshed development.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, ADDC Sonam Nurboo, ADC Ghulam Mohd, departmental heads, BDOs, community representatives and watershed members
