Launch of the Watershed Initiative
Watershed Revival Drive in Nagaland: Nagaland hosted the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima, marking the official launch of Mission Watershed Punarutthan. The programme aims to restore degraded land and traditional water bodies through a structured watershed approach. It also strengthens water-harvesting systems by integrating community participation with major flagship schemes.
This initiative is designed to create long-term ecological benefits across villages. Static GK fact: Watershed development in India follows a ridge-to-valley approach to improve soil moisture, groundwater recharge and crop productivity.
Focus Areas of Mission Punarutthan
Mission Punarutthan targets water security, ecological revival and rural livelihood enhancement. It emphasises the rejuvenation of local springs, improvement of watershed structures and expansion of water availability at the household and village levels. The mission also supports soil conservation measures to reduce erosion in hilly areas.
Community institutions are central to its success, supported by programmes such as MGNREGA, which strengthens labour-driven watershed works. Static GK Tip: MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to every rural household, making it a major tool in resource development projects.
Government Vision for Natural Resource Restoration
At the launch ceremony, the Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications underlined the national priority of strengthening water resources. He highlighted Nagaland’s strong cultural ethos in community-led conservation, noting that restoring natural systems is crucial for resilience against climate risks.
The government’s vision places watershed management at the centre of rural development. It aims to create sustainable landscapes that can support agriculture, biodiversity and dependable village-level water sources.
Progress Under PMKSY in Nagaland
Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Nagaland has recorded noteworthy achievements in watershed-related interventions. Fourteen projects have been approved, with Rs 140 crore sanctioned and Rs 80 crore released for execution. These initiatives have led to the renovation of 555 water-harvesting structures and the rejuvenation of 120 local springs.
More than 6,500 farmers have benefited through improved irrigation access and better land productivity. Static GK fact: PMKSY was launched in 2015 to improve irrigation efficiency and promote the motto “Per Drop More Crop”.
Strengthening National Water Priorities
The programme aligns with broader national goals aimed at stabilising water-stressed regions and improving climate resilience. With India possessing only 4% of global freshwater, long-term watershed interventions are essential to safeguard rural economies.
The focus on improved groundwater recharge, diversified cropping systems and decentralised water storage supports sustainable growth. It also contributes to creating climate-ready rural landscapes, especially in hilly states like Nagaland where spring-fed water sources are vital.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Watershed Revival Drive in Nagaland:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch Venue | Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima |
| Main Initiative | Mission Watershed Punarutthan |
| Key Scheme | PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana |
| Number of Approved Projects | 14 watershed projects |
| Funds Sanctioned | Rs 140 crore |
| Funds Released | Rs 80 crore |
| Water-Harvesting Structures Renovated | 555 structures |
| Springs Restored | 120 springs |
| Beneficiary Count | More than 6,500 farmers |
| National Context | India holds 4% of global freshwater |
