A state level launch program of Watershed Yatra was held at the Directorate of Land Resources, Kohima on 5th February 2025 with G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor, Land Resources, Nagaland as the Guest of Honour.
The event was presided over by Kevekha Kevin Zehol NCS, Chairman, SLNA, Nagaland and Commissioner & Secretary, Land Resources.
G. Ikuto Zhimomi in his address lauded the initiative and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges of water scarcity and land degradation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting community-based watershed management projects and empowering rural communities. He said that this mass outreach program will help to ensure the sustainable use of land and water resources for our future generations.
Albert Ngullie, CEO, SLNA, Nagaland, and Director, Land Resources, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of the Watershed Yatra in the context of the state’s unique ecological landscape. He encouraged every citizen to create awareness at both an individual and community level for sustainable utilization and management of our natural resources. A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of progressive farmers who have made significant contributions to water conservation and sustainable agriculture. This was followed by an experience-sharing session by Kekhrielezo Zuyie, Proprietor, KK Wood Touch Furnitures, beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana – Watershed Development Component (PMKSY-WDC 2.0).
Short speeches were delivered by Pelenuo, Founder and MD, Zub Zub India, and Ruopfuzhanuo Whiso, Fourth Runner-Up, Miss Universe India 2024, who emphasized the importance of community participation and youth engagement in water conservation efforts and in restoring degraded land across Nagaland.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The program commenced with a welcome address by the Chairperson, followed by an invocation prayer by Rev. Dr. Kevichalie Metha, Pastor, Peraciezie Baptist Church. The attendees also took a pledge for “Land and Water Conservation,” reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability. The Yatra involves a series of activities including developing watershed projects like percolation tanks, check dams; Watershed Mahotsav to create awareness and encourage community participation, Watershed Ki Panchayat, to involve the community in developing and implementing policies around watershed development.
The State Level Launching Program was immediately followed by the National Level Virtual Launching Program conducted through webcasting in which Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development flagged off the Watershed Yatra virtually.
Hekato N, Additional Director, Land Resources, gave the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all stakeholders in making the event a success.
The initiative aims to promote the adoption of scientific watershed management practices, enhance water security, improve agricultural productivity, and generate employment opportunities in rural areas, ultimately leading to the holistic development of the state.
