In a pivotal advancement towards bolstering water security and promoting sustainable rural development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, the Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, inaugurated the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima. This initiative highlights the Indian government’s commitment to evolving water-stressed areas into resilient, water-secure landscapes, adhering to the developmental vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who prioritizes the Northeastern States in India’s growth trajectory.
The launch of Mission Watershed ‘Punarutthan’ emphasized the perspective that water security is intrinsically linked to national security. The mission’s objectives include reviving traditional water bodies, restoring degraded lands, enhancing water harvesting systems, and fostering sustainable livelihoods through community engagement and collaboration with existing programs like MGNREGA. The Minister articulated that watershed development extends beyond mere water management; it involves a comprehensive restoration of the ecological backbone of rural India, creating job opportunities, and ensuring economic stability for future generations.
Nagaland, endowed with a wealth of ecological and cultural heritage, is positioned as a leader in community-led watershed management. Efforts in restoring springs, renovating water harvesting structures, and revitalizing land resources are framed not merely as environmental initiatives but as pivotal to the survival and prosperity of future populations. The Minister underlined that Nagaland symbolizes the indomitable human spirit and cultural resilience through its rich traditions, diverse linguistic landscape, vibrant music, intricate handicrafts, and renowned festivals. This civilization preserves its identity with dignity and pride while engaging with the global community.
Historically seen as peripheral to the national narrative, the North East now holds a central role in the development framework, with Nagaland emerging as a key contributor to India’s growth. Improved connectivity, enhanced infrastructure, and increased digital accessibility position the State as a burgeoning hub for tourism, trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange, revealing that its strength lies in its deep-rooted heritage alongside new avenues for future progress.
In support of watershed development in Nagaland, 14 projects have been sanctioned under PMKSY, along with an allocation of Rs 140 crore, of which Rs 80 crore has already been disbursed.
