Diplomat Correspondent
Leh,DD: In resonance with the Pan-India Watershed Mahotsav, the Watershed Department, IWMP Leh, celebrated the event with great enthusiasm at the vibrant Hemya Micro-Watershed under Project WDC-01 Nyoma (Rong–Chumathang), despite the harsh Arctic cold conditions.
The programme witnessed active participation from Goba Tarchit (Hemya), Chairman and Secretary of the Nyoma Project, WDT members, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), User Groups (UGs), religious heads, local community members, and students of Government Primary School, Hemya.
During the event, Project Officer Smt. Shenaz presented a comprehensive review of the completed and ongoing Natural Resource Management (NRM) works, including the construction of irrigation khuls, water reservoir tanks, land development, chain-link fencing of pasture lands, installation of polycarbonate greenhouses on community land, remodelling of traditional water mills, and springshed rejuvenation works.
She emphasised the importance of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) in ensuring the proper maintenance of created assets for long-term sustainability. She also encouraged the community to enhance their livelihoods through both farm and non-farm activities, considering livestock as their primary source of income.
Goba of Hemya expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Watershed Department for the developmental works carried out over the past years. She highlighted the positive impact of these interventions on irrigation efficiency and soil conservation.
She further appreciated the free distribution of hybrid vegetable seeds under mulching technology, crop diversification initiatives, and the supply of agricultural toolkits that have significantly eased farming operations.
She requested continued departmental support in the future and sought training programs for SHG members in handloom weaving units.
Members of the SHGs also expressed their gratitude for the machinery provided for carpet weaving and knitting activities, which has strengthened their livelihood opportunities. They too requested ongoing support under the livelihood component.
The event was further enlivened by quiz and music competitions performed by the students of Government Primary School, Hemya. Prizes and refreshments were distributed to the participants.
A cleanliness drive (Shramdaan) was also conducted at Hemya as part of the programme, promoting community participation and environmental awareness.
The celebration concluded with the on-spot Lokarpan (inauguration) of completed works to promote community ownership, followed by the Bhumi Pujan (foundation-laying ceremony) of new works by the Lama Ji, marking a renewed collective commitment towards sustainable development.DD
