Ampati, March 24: Focusing on raising awareness about watershed management and sustainable water conservation practices in the face of climate change and fast depleting water resources all around, the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Department organized a Flag-Off Programme for Watershed Yatra under PMKSY WDC 2.0 at Rangsakona, under Rerapara C&RD Block of South West Garo Hills district on Monday. The flag off was done by Rangsakona MLA Subir M Marak.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Subir Marak emphasized the urgent need for environmental conservation and watershed management. He proposed organizing quiz competitions on watershed conservation and environmental sustainability to engage youth in the cause.
Referring to excerpts from Garo Hills Damgipin A•gisi (Garo Hills – Another Desert) by renowned author and church leader, Late Rev. Gilbert Marak, The Rangsakona MLA recalled how once-abundant water bodies and forests in Garo Hills are now disappearing due to jhum cultivation and deforestation as predicted in the excerpt. He stressed that such initiatives are crucial to raising awareness and preserving essential natural resources like water.
Guest of Honour, Dolrich B.G. Momin, shared his personal experiences of water scarcity in Shillong, emphasizing the importance of conserving water for future generations.
Former director of Soil and Water Conservation Department and advisor to the Garo Hills Environment Protection Society, Dr. K.C. Momin, said that schemes from the centre, such as the present PMKSY WDC 2.0, helps to empower communities to manage and protect watersheds.
The Watershed Yatra is a nationwide initiative under PMKSY WDC 2.0, a project funded by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and implemented by the Soil & Water Conservation Department, Government of Meghalaya. The initiative aims to educate communities about the importance of watershed management; Encourage eco-friendly practices like soil conservation and afforestation; Improve groundwater recharge and sustainable water use; Promote farming techniques that prevent soil erosion and enhance productivity and Mobilize local participation in conservation efforts.
Prior to the official program, various community-driven activities were held: Shramdan (Voluntary Community Cleaning) where community members cleaned water bodies in Rangsakona village; Street Play by Dokaku Arts and Culture Association, titled “Chi Aro A•ako Ripingani” (Preservation of Water and Land), which emphasized the need for conservation and also Paani Ki Pathshala Initiative where a painting competition on water and environmental conservation was organized for school students at Rangsakona Higher Secondary Deficit School, with winners awarded during the event.
During the program, the Watershed Yatra theme song was presented, and attendees took the Pledge for Watershed Conservation, vowing to conserve land and water in their fields and villages, support and maintain water conservation structures, prevent soil erosion through plantations and bunding and adopt rainwater harvesting and sustainable farming practices among many others.
The program concluded with the flagging-off of the Watershed Yatra Van by Chief Guest Subir Marak, marking the beginning of an important journey to promote sustainable watershed management in the region.
