The Project Level Watershed Mahotsav 2026, organised by the State Level Nodal Agency, Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland, under PMKSY–WDC 2.0 was inaugurated at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto on January 17.
Speaking at the programme, District Project Officer, Land Resources Department, Zunheboto, I Acato Chishi highlighted the importance of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in addressing water scarcity. He stated that many streams are gradually drying up, affecting even the availability of drinking water, which calls for urgent and collective action in watershed management.
Chishi also spoke on coffee cultivation, stating that coffee is not a useless crop and has shown promising results since its introduction in 2016. He informed that coffee production from the district has now reached the market, generating revenue of approximately Rs 29 lakh last year.
He further mentioned that Tsaphimi village emerged as the national winner of the Watershed Janbhagidari Cup 2025 and was awarded Rs 10 lakh for its outstanding performance to promote Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities and ensure greater visibility, reels and photography contests have been introduced. The first prize for the reels competition carries a cash award of Rs 50,000, while the best photography entry will be awarded Rs 10,000.
Interested participants were encouraged to inquire at the department office for further details and assistance.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto Dharam Raj, IAS who served as the chief guest, in his address explained that a watershed is an area where water is collected, conserved and channelled into streams for sustainable use. He stressed that water scarcity is a global issue and cited Israel as an example of how efficient water management ensures that every drop of water is utilized effectively.
He observed that despite receiving abundant rainfall, Nagaland continues to face water scarcity due to improper watershed management. He added that the state is still unable to meet the United Nations guideline of 250 litres of water per person per day. The DC urged students and the public to actively participate in the reels and photography competitions to spread awareness and called for strong community participation in watershed initiatives.
The programme also witnessed the virtual and digital launching of Bhumi Poojan for new works in the project areas, Digital Lokarpan for completed works, Mission Watershed Punarutthan, and the launch of competitions on social media platforms to promote IEC activities and enhance public outreach.
The programme was chaired by Qhenito Yepthomi, Watershed Development Team Member, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ikatoli Achumi, WDTM, Department of Land Resources.
