The Ministry of Rural Development marked a significant milestone in advancing water and land restoration in Nagaland with the launch of the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, who emphasized the critical role of water security in national security and rural prosperity.
Dr. Sekhar introduced Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN, focusing on reviving traditional water bodies, restoring degraded lands, and strengthening water harvesting systems through community participation. He highlighted that watershed development goes beyond water management to rebuilding the ecological backbone of rural India, fostering sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.
Nagaland has made substantial progress under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and watershed initiatives, with 14 watershed projects approved and Rs 140 crore sanctioned, of which Rs 80 crore has been released. The state has renovated 555 water harvesting structures, restored 120 springs, and benefited over 6,500 farmers.
The Minister highlighted that, unlike other States where project funding follows a 60:40 Centre–State ratio, North Eastern States, including Nagaland, receive 90% Central assistance, reflecting the Government’s special focus on accelerating development in the region.
Calling for greater community participation through Jan Bhagidari, the Minister urged citizens to actively engage in the protection and sustainable use of water and land resources. He also emphasised that India, with only 4% of the world’s renewable freshwater but 18% of the global population, must prioritise systematic water conservation and efficient resource management. With current per capita water availability already below the water-stress benchmark, initiatives such as the PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and watershed programmes have proven transformational — increasing farmers’ incomes, boosting groundwater levels, and enabling multiple crop cycles.
Officials from both central and state governments attended the event. The programme was chaired by Dr. G. Hukugha Sema, IRS, Chairman, SLNA and Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Land Resources, while Albert Ngullie CEO,SLNA &Director,Land Resources, presented a briefed note on Watershed Mahotsav and vote of thanks was proposed by Hekato N Addl. CEO,SLNA & Addl. Director, Land Resources.
Advisor for the Department of Land Resources, G. Ikuto Zhimomi, described the Watershed Mahotsav as a platform for strengthening partnerships among government agencies, communities, and stakeholders to promote climate-resilient livelihoods and sustainable resource management in Nagaland.