The 20-day Watershed Yatra Campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Land Resources, Government of India, and organized by the Department of Land Resources, Nagaland, concluded on February 24, 2025, in Asukiqa village, Zunheboto. The campaign, which covered four districts in Nagaland, aimed at raising awareness about watershed development activities under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).
In her keynote address, Assistant Inspector of Land Resources, Roselyn Chishi, highlighted the importance of the campaign in promoting the “Community Driven Approach” to watershed development. The campaign included several major activities such as Bhoomi Poojan, Lokarpan of new projects, Watershed Mahotsav, and recognition of Watershed Warriors, all focused on involving local communities, particularly youth, in land and water conservation.
The culmination event also featured the “Handing over of assets” (Lokarpan) to the Alowoni SHG from Kitami village, which was presented with a solar dryer to support livelihood and micro-enterprise development. The ceremony included cultural performances, such as folk songs by coffee growers from Puneboqa village, traditional dances by the Ghokimi village cultural troupe, and a street play performed by the Alowoni SHG.
In addition to the cultural activities, Shramdan efforts were carried out, including bush management at coffee plantations and the digging of compost pits by the Watershed Committee of Ghokimi village.
The event concluded with a Land and Water Conservation Oath-Taking, affirming the commitment of the community to environmental sustainability.