Emphasising the importance of rainwater conservation and community participation, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Shri Dilip Kumar, has called for collective efforts to make villages water-secure and self-reliant.
During a review visit to Varude, Gulani and Wafgaon villages in Maharashtra’s Pune district on October 30, he inspected watershed development works being implemented under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).
“Water is the foundation of our future. Every drop of rain must be conserved to make villages water-secure and self-reliant,” he said, urging villagers to ensure regular maintenance of water-harvesting structures so that these assets remain functional for the next 20 years.
The Secretary inspected check dams, contour trenches, farm ponds, water storage structures and other conservation works aimed at reducing runoff, improving groundwater recharge and supporting agriculture.
Villagers reported improved groundwater levels across 11 villages under the Khed Project, enabling farmers to cultivate two to three crops annually and increase their income. Water stored in farm ponds has also helped protect standing crops despite drought-like conditions this year.
Earlier, on October 29, Shri Dilip Kumar chaired a review meeting in Pune to assess the scheme’s progress. He directed officials to expedite water conservation projects in drought-prone areas, particularly in 76 identified talukas, with emphasis on water storage, timely completion and quality implementation.
The initiative underscores the importance of sustainable watershed management and community participation in strengthening rural livelihoods and building a water-secure Viksit Bharat.
