Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN

The Central Government inaugurated the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 alongside Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima, aimed at reviving traditional water bodies, restoring degraded lands, and strengthening water-harvesting syste

• Mission Objectives:
  The mission focuses on sustainable livelihoods through active community participation and convergence with related schemes such as MGNREGA, ensuring enhanced water security and land restoration.
• Statements by MoS:
  Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, highlighted that “water security is national security” and stressed that the future depends on preserving natural resources.
• Key Achievements in Nagaland under PMKSY and Watershed Development:
  • 14 watershed projects approved
  • Rs 140 crore sanctioned, with Rs 80 crore already released
  • Renovation of 555 water-harvesting structures
  • More than 6,500 farmers benefitted
  • Restoration of 120 springs
• Special Assistance to North Eastern States:
  The northeastern states receive 90% central assistance as opposed to the usual 60:40 Centre-State funding ratio, facilitating accelerated development efforts.
• Water Resource Context:
  India holds only 4% of the world’s renewable freshwater resources but supports 18% of the global population, underscoring the urgency and importance of the mission.

Source: DD News