Nagaland’s 20-day Watershed Campaign, aimed at raising awareness about watershed development and conservation, successfully concluded in Zunheboto district on February 24. The campaign, a joint effort by the Union Ministry of Land Resources and the Nagaland Department of Land Resources, covered four districts—Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung, and Zunheboto—engaging local communities in environmental sustainability initiatives. The campaign commenced in Kohima on February 5 and focused on promoting a community-driven approach to watershed development under the Watershed Development Component (WDC) of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Speaking at the concluding event, Assistant Inspector of Land Resources, Roselyn Chishi, highlighted the importance of local participation in watershed conservation and emphasized that such initiatives are being implemented across 27 states and two Union Territories as part of a larger national effort.
“The campaign aimed to galvanize implementation machinery at the field level while ensuring active community involvement in watershed projects,” she stated, urging residents to continue their commitment to land and water conservation. On the last day, the campaign reached five villages—Asukiqa, Ghokimi, Kitami, Tsaphimi, and Puneboqa—where locals took part in land and water conservation pledges, reinforcing their dedication to environmental preservation. The event also featured folk songs and traditional dances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region alongside conservation efforts.
With widespread voluntary participation from community members and youth, the campaign successfully instilled awareness about the importance of watershed management for sustainable agriculture and water conservation. By integrating traditional practices with scientific watershed management techniques, the initiative has laid a strong foundation for long-term environmental sustainability in Nagaland.
