The District-Level Watershed Yatra in Mokokchung District, organized by the Department of Land Resources (LDR), Government of Nagaland, is currently underway at Yimchalu Village Community Hall, Mokokchung, on February 14, 2025. The event aims to promote awareness and participation in watershed development and land conservation initiatives.
The program commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Chairman of Yimchalu Village Council, C Wati Walling.
Sentinungla, District Project Officer (DPO), LRD, emphasized that the campaign began in Kohima on February 5 and reached Mokokchung on February 13. She described the Yatra as a pilgrimage aimed at creating mass awareness and encouraging public participation in land and water conservation. She highlighted the importance of preventing migration due to water scarcity and urged the community to implement trenches, tanks, and water conservation structures to recharge land and maintain soil fertility for future generations.
A Land and Water Conservation Pledge was administered by the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsüvisie Phoji, who also delivered a special guest address. The DC pointed out that less than 50% of the rural population is engaged in agricultural work, with most focusing on plantations. He posed the question of whether this shift indicated progression or degradation. He emphasized that Nagaland’s favorable climate conditions and Yimchalu’s abundant water sources should be harnessed for sustainable development. Acknowledging water scarcity issues in Mokokchung and other major headquarters in the state, he stressed the need for collective action to conserve and protect water resources. The DC lauded Yimchalu village for its bold initiatives and encouraged them to be torchbearers for neighboring communities and the state.
The event featured several activities, including a short play performed by the Music & Drama Committee of Eden Academy, Mokokchung. A knowledge-sharing session, Watershed ki Paathshala, was conducted by Ruokuosietuo Dzûvichu, DSCO, Mokokchung, and B. Imti Tzudir, District Agriculture Officer, Mokokchung. A special folk dance was presented by the Yimchalu Students Cultural Troupe.
The Yatra also included various competitions and exhibitions, such as a painting competition themed “Save Trees, Save Earth,” a quiz competition, and a display and sale of SHG products. Other activities included a van activity (AR) and Shramdaan efforts focused on Coffee Bush Management at a coffee plantation site by the Yimchalu Watershed Committee.
The event concluded with the Lokarpan (Handing Over) Phase, where assets such as the Watershed Structure (WHS) and a Water Reservoir Tank were handed over by the DPO, LRD, Mokokchung.