Ministry of Rural Development Watershed Development Celebrations
The Ministry of Rural Development, through its Watershed Management Division in the Department of Land Resources, celebrated the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, 2026, across 813 project areas under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) throughout the country. The celebration was marked by significant community participation and concrete achievements in watershed development.
The event featured four major activities: Bhoomi Poojan (groundbreaking) for 1,444 new watershed development works, Lokarpan (inauguration) of 8,341 completed watershed assets, plantation of 51,299 saplings under the nationwide campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," and administration of a public pledge on the theme "For a Developed India, Let Us Build a Drought-Free India." The watershed development works include check dams, percolation tanks, and farm ponds that enable farmers in rainfed areas to undertake second or third crops, leading to higher agricultural income.
The observance witnessed active participation from local communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, watershed committees, self-help groups, government officials, and other stakeholders. The celebration aimed to raise awareness about sustainable land and water management, promote community-led conservation efforts, and strengthen collective action toward achieving a drought-resilient and environmentally sustainable future. The WDC-PMKSY 2.0 program continues to contribute significantly to national goals of land restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable rural development by restoring degraded landscapes and improving water security in rainfed regions across the country.