Diplomat Correspondent
Leh:DD, The Watershed Mahotsav was celebrated today at the Basgo Micro Watershed under the Leh Nimmo Project, WDC–05, with great enthusiasm and active community participation.
A.G. Zargar, ACD RDD & PRI, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The event was also attended by Naib Tehsildar Nimmo, Mushtaq Ahmed, the Nambardar, Chairpersons/Secretaries of various Micro Watersheds, SHGs, UGs, teachers and students of Govt. High School Nimmo, farmers, and local community members.
The community representatives—including the Nambardar, local leaders, and MWS functionaries—expressed gratitude to IWMP Leh (Watershed Department) for implementing impactful Soil & Water Conservation measures. These include water reservoir-cum-percolation tanks, multiple I-khuls, snow check dams, land development/surface dressing, water reservoirs, solar-lifting pumps, and chain-link fencing of cultivable wasteland. They appreciated how these interventions have transformed barren land into cultivable areas, supporting plantation and fodder intercropping through drip irrigation under the NRM component.
Under the Production Component, initiatives such as crop diversification, distribution of high-yielding certified seeds (including fodder and pea varieties) free of cost, plantation of improved apple varieties, and remodelling of traditional water mills were highlighted.
Under the Livelihood Component, the establishment of handloom weaving and processing units for SHGs received special recognition for empowering local women.
Shenaz, Project Officer/Nodal Officer, presented an overview of the completed works and upcoming interventions planned for the next working season. She urged the community to ensure the care, maintenance, and janbhagidari of the assets created under the NRM component.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest A.G. Zargar applauded the impactful works executed under the watershed programme and assured that RDD & PRI will continue to work with dedication towards community development. Naib Tehsildar Mushtaq Ahmed also assured timely redressal of local grievances.
The students of Govt. High School Nimmo added vibrancy to the programme by organising a quiz competition highlighting the message: “Khet ka paani khet mein, gaon ka paani gaon mein.”
The event concluded with an interaction session during which farmers shared their concerns and sought resolutions, which were duly noted by officials.
Additionally, the lokarpan of several completed works was conducted to formally hand them over for community ownership, reinforcing local participation and responsibility. Bhumi Pujan for upcoming interventions was also performed at designated sites, marking the commencement of new works under the project.DD