A ‘Watershed Yatra van’ was today flagged off by Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira at Raja Apal, North Garo Hills.
The van, which was launched by the State government yesterday in Shillong, will travel across the Garo Hills region to spread awareness about water development activities carried out under WDC of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY 2.0).
Addressing the gathering, Shira emphasised the importance of soil and water conservation for the present and the future generations. He recalled the period where rivers and streams used to be filled to the brim and water availability was in abundance. But with changing times, population growth and unsustainable water management, the demand for water has become a crisis.
Shira urged the people to act collectively in sustainably conserving and protecting natural resources; water bodies, forests etc, for bringing about improved livelihoods and the preservation of the environment simultaneously.
Minister for Soil & Conservation department and PHE, Marcuise N Marak said the Watershed Yatra is not only about highlighting the importance of watershed, but a movement to initiate water sufficiency.
To encourage Watershed communities, individuals who have contributed in effective implementation of WDC in the Garo Hills region were acknowledged as ‘Watershed Warriors’ and awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
