Watershed Yatra launched

Why in news?

• Union Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the "Watershed Yatra".
• This campaign was launched to increase people's participation and create awareness in watershed development activities under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).

Watershed Yatra:

• The Yatra covers 805 projects.
• The van campaign will run for 60 to 90 days.
• The Yatra will cover 6673 Gram Panchayats (13587 villages) in 26 states and 2 Union Territories.
• Sustainable soil and water management practices will be discussed by experts under the Watershed Panchayat.
• More than 8000 people will be honored who contributed to the implementation of the projects.

Major activities during the Watershed Yatra:

• Bhoomi Pujan of new works and inauguration of completed works.
• Organizing Watershed Mahotsav and Panchayats.
• Awards and recognition to mentors in project areas.
• Organizing ground-water pitch and shramdaan programs.
• Efforts to spread the message of sustainable resource management to the general public.

Watershed Development Component- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0)

• This is the watershed development component under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
• This scheme has been implemented for the period 2021-2026.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Its objectives:
  • To manage water resources sustainably
  • To conserve land and increase agricultural productivity
  • To improve land reclamation and increase irrigation efficiency
  • To integrate agriculture, afforestation and water resource management