Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Inaugurate ‘Watershed Mahotsav’
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is set to inaugurate the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, on November 11, 2025. This event is part of the National Watershed Conference, organized by the Department of Land Resources in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government. The conference, taking place from November 10 to 11, aims to review the progress of watershed development initiatives and promote community participation in sustainable water management.
Objectives of the National Watershed Conference
The National Watershed Conference will focus on several key objectives. One of the main agendas is to assess the progress of the Watershed Development Component (WDC) under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (PMKSY 2.0) across various states and Union Territories. Stakeholders will engage in discussions about the future of watershed development beyond 2026. The conference will also see the launch of the ‘Watershed Mahotsav,’ aimed at raising public awareness and encouraging community involvement. Additionally, the ‘Mission Watershed Revitalisation’ will be inaugurated to restore and maintain assets created under previous watershed projects.
Celebrating Community Participation
The ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ will be celebrated nationwide at both state and project levels to foster public participation, known as ‘Jan Bhagidari.’ Activities planned for the Mahotsav include recognizing winners of the Watershed Jan Bhagidari Cup 2025, inaugurating completed projects, laying the foundation for new initiatives, and organizing tree plantation drives. These participatory efforts are designed to engage communities actively in watershed management and conservation activities.
Launch of Mission Watershed Revitalisation
The Mission Watershed Revitalisation will be launched during the Mahotsav to provide renewed focus on maintaining and repairing soil and water conservation structures established under the WDC–PMKSY 1.0 scheme. This initiative will utilize the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for funding and execution, ensuring that local communities are involved in the maintenance of these vital resources. The mission aims to enhance the sustainability of watershed projects and improve the overall health of rural ecosystems.
Significance of the Watershed Mahotsav
The ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ represents a significant national initiative to promote sustainable water and soil conservation in rural India. It aims to highlight the achievements of watershed development under the PMKSY and outline a roadmap for enhancing water security, improving rural livelihoods, and boosting agricultural productivity through community-based management. Shri Chouhan’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to integrated approaches for ensuring water security and sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. Following the inauguration, the Union Minister will also engage in discussions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu to explore collaborative efforts in agricultural transformation and natural resource management.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn