Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar on Monday launched the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima.
The launch also marks the formal rollout of Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN, a nationwide initiative aimed at reviving traditional water bodies, restoring degraded lands and enhancing community-driven water conservation systems across rural India.
In his address, Dr Pemmasani said that the launch is to strengthen India’s water security and climate resilience stating “Water security is national security”.
Dr Pemmasani highlighted that water security must be viewed as national security, noting that India home to 18% of the world’s population holds only 4% of global renewable freshwater.
“Watershed development is a silent revolution for rural India. Every revived spring is a step towards safeguarding villages,” he noted.
The Minister also commended Nagaland for its strong record in community-led watershed initiatives, calling the State “a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and ecological stewardship.” He said that spring rejuvenation and renovation of water harvesting structures in hilly and tribal regions were crucial for long-term water availability.
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Dr Pemmasani also praised the State Government under Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for its implementation of watershed programmes and acknowledged the efforts of senior officials, including Dr G Hukugha Sema, IRS, and G Ikuto Zhimomi.
According to the Ministry of Rural Development, Nagaland has recorded significant progress under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and watershed initiatives: 14 watershed projects approved Rs 140 crore sanctioned, with Rs 80 crore already released 555 water harvesting structures renovated 6,500 farmers benefitted, 120 springs revived.
The Minister noted that unlike other States where funding is shared on a 60:40 basis, North Eastern States including Nagaland receive 90% central assistance, underscoring the Centre’s focus on accelerating development in the region.
Urging greater Jan Bhagidari, Dr Pemmasani appealed to citizens to safeguard water and land resources, calling watershed development “an investment in the prosperity of future generations”.
