Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto Dharam Raj, IAS along with others during the inauguration programme of the Watershed Mahotsav 2026 on January 17. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | January 17
The Project Level Watershed Mahotsav 2026, organised by the State Level Nodal Agency under the Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland, as part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana–Watershed Development Component (PMKSY–WDC 2.0), was inaugurated at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School here on January 17.
Addressing the programme, District Project Officer, Land Resources Department, Zunheboto, I Acato Chishi underscored the importance of PMKSY in tackling water scarcity. He said many streams were gradually drying up, affecting even the availability of drinking water, necessitating urgent and collective action in watershed management.
Chishi also spoke on coffee cultivation, stating that coffee was not a useless crop and had shown promising results since its introduction in the district in 2016. He informed that coffee production from Zunheboto district had reached the market and generated revenue of around Rs 29 lakh in the previous year.
Highlighting achievements under the programme, he said Tsaphimi village emerged as the national winner of the Watershed Janbhagidari Cup 2025 and was awarded Rs 10 lakh for its outstanding performance. To promote Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities and ensure wider visibility, reels and photography competitions have been introduced. The first prize in the reels competition carries a cash award of Rs 50,000, while the best photography entry will receive Rs 10,000. Interested participants were advised to contact the department office for further details and assistance.
Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS, who attended the programme as chief guest, explained that a watershed is an area where water is collected, conserved and channelled into streams for sustainable use. He said water scarcity is a global issue and cited Israel as an example of effective water management where every drop of water is utilised efficiently.
Despite receiving abundant rainfall, Nagaland continues to face water scarcity due to improper watershed management, the deputy commissioner said, adding that the state is still unable to meet the United Nations guideline of 250 litres of water per person per day. He urged students and the public to actively participate in the reels and photography competitions to spread awareness and called for strong community participation in watershed initiatives.
The programme also witnessed the virtual and digital launch of Bhumi Poojan for new works in the project areas, Digital Lokarpan for completed works, Mission Watershed Punarutthan, and competitions on social media platforms aimed at promoting IEC activities and enhancing public outreach.
The event was chaired by Qhenito Yepthomi, Watershed Development Team Member, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ikatoli Achumi, WDTM, Department of Land Resources.
