Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Andhra Pradesh

Union Minister for Rural Development, and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, on November 11, 2025.

The event was organised as part of the National Watershed Conference held from November 10–11, 2025, by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development.

🔹 About Watershed Mahotsav

• The event aimed to highlight India’s achievements and innovations in watershed development and management.
• It brought together experts, policymakers, and field practitioners to share best practices and success stories.

Implementing Agency

• Organised by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Implemented through the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC–PMKSY 2.0) — a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

Objective of WDC–PMKSY 2.0

• Focuses on development of rainfed and degraded lands across all Indian states and in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Aims to enhance water availability, restore ecological balance, and improve livelihoods in rural areas.

Major Activities under WDC–PMKSY 2.0

• Soil and moisture conservation works
  • Construction and renovation of check dams, village ponds, and farm ponds.
• Rainwater harvesting and spring-shed development.
• Establishment of nurseries, afforestation, and pasture development.
• Livelihood support initiatives for landless households in watershed areas.

Significance

• Strengthens climate resilience in rural regions.
• Promotes sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management.
• Contributes to achieving the vision of ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ under PMKSY.