MoS Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar hands over Watershed Janbhagidari Cup 2025 award during the launch of Watershed Mahotsav 2025 in Kohima on December 8. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 8
In a major boost for watershed development in Nagaland, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Union Minister of State for Rural Development & Communications, today launched the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 and Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN.
The MoS also launched the digital Bhumi Poojan for new works, the digital Lokarpan for completed works, and social media competitions to promote IEC (Information, Education and Communication) and enhance visibility.
Among others, Nagaland’s Advisor for Information, Public Relations and Parliamentary Affairs, G Ikuto Zhimomi, attended the launch at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima.
Dr Sekhar also handed over awards to the recipients of the Watershed Janbhagidari Cup 2025 from Nagaland. The awardees—Watershed Committees of Wamaken village (Mokokchung), Chudi village (Wokha), and Tsaphimi village (Zunheboto)—received Rs 20 lakh each.
PMKSY achievements
Touching on key achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and watershed development, the MoS said 14 watershed projects have been approved in Nagaland.
He informed that Rs 140 crore has been sanctioned, of which Rs 80 crore has already been released. A total of 555 water-harvesting structures have been renovated, 120 springs restored, and 6,500 farmers benefitted, he added.
Dr Sekhar stressed the need to capture, store and use every drop of water, noting that water scarcity is tightening in India and globally.
“Without systemic conservation, scarcity will deepen,” he said. He also commended the State Government for restoring 120 springs, describing them as the lifeline of water security in hilly regions like Nagaland.
‘Water security is national security’
During the launch, the MoS said the Mahotsav marks a major milestone in the Government of India (GoI)’s commitment to transforming water-stressed regions into water-secure, climate-resilient landscapes, in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
Launching PUNARUTTHAN, he underlined that water security is national security, and said the mission will focus on reviving traditional water bodies, restoring degraded lands, strengthening water-harvesting systems, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods through community participation and convergence with schemes such as MGNREGA.
“Nagaland, with its rich ecological and cultural heritage, stands at the forefront of community-led watershed management. The restoration of springs, renovation of water harvesting structures, and rejuvenation of land resources here is not just an environmental effort—it is a lifeline for future generations,” he said.
Announcing that the Government is ready with funds, technology and policy support, Dr Sekhar said, “Whatever the water bodies, old rivers that are there, we want to rejuvenate them, we want to create water.”
He added that watershed development focuses on rebuilding the ecological foundation of rural India, creating predictability in an unpredictable climate, and turning rainwater from a liability into an asset.
He also appreciated the State Government and people of Nagaland for working together to transform India from a water-stressed nation to a water-secure one.
Nagaland no longer a ‘distant frontier’
Meanwhile, the MoS noted that for decades, the North East was viewed as peripheral to the national mainstream.
However, Nagaland is no longer seen as a distant frontier and is now a central partner in India’s growth journey, he said, adding that with expanding connectivity, stronger infrastructure and enhanced digital access, the State is emerging as a hub for tourism, trade, agriculture and cultural exchange.
Dr Sekhar also highlighted that while most States receive project funding at a 60:40 Centre–State ratio, the NE receive 90% Central assistance, reflecting the GoI’s special focus on accelerating development in the region.
He emphasised that India, with only 4% of the world’s renewable freshwater but 18% of the global population, must prioritise systematic water conservation and efficient resource management.
With per capita water availability already below the water-stress benchmark, initiatives such as PMKSY and watershed programmes have been transformational, boosting farmers’ incomes, improving groundwater levels and enabling multiple crop cycles, he maintained.
Dr Sekhar commended the State leadership under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for its effective implementation and people-centric approach.
Calling for greater community participation through Jan Bhagidari, he urged citizens to actively engage in the protection and sustainable use of water and land resources.
Earlier, Albert Ngullie, CEO, SLNA and Director, Land Resources, Nagaland, presented a brief note on the Watershed Mahotsav. The programme was chaired by Dr G Hukugha Sema, Commissioner & Secretary, Land Resources, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Hekato N, Additional Director, Land Resources.
