Shillong, Sept 30: From October 2, the Government of Meghalaya along with the Government of India will take watershed development reforms directly to villages through ‘Reform Utsav’ under the People’s Plan Campaign – Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas.
According to an official press note, 9,593 Gram Panchayats nationally will hold Gram Sabhas to spread awareness on reforms, with focus on participation and community ownership.
In Meghalaya, 283 villages under 32 projects will be covered initially, with 12 more Reform Utsav events planned at district and project levels.
Officials said the core message is simple: conserving water is essential to conserving soil.
In rainfed and drought-prone belts, the impact is already visible. Farmers who could not grow a single crop earlier are now growing one, and those who grew one are now taking two or more crops, improving income and livelihoods.
The note said 3.4 crore hectares have been covered in the last 12 years, yielding up to 3 metre rise in groundwater, 30% expansion in cultivated area and 40% increase in milk output. In project areas, farmers’ annual income has gone up by up to 70%.
In Meghalaya alone, soil and moisture conservation works have covered 5325.23 hectares, while plantation, horticulture and afforestation have covered 7716.85 hectares.
The department listed four major reforms – higher funding, faster completion, better inputs and springshed revival.
Funding under WDC-PMKSY has been raised to Rs 22,000 per hectare in plains from Rs 12,000, and to Rs 28,000 in hilly areas from Rs 15,000. Project period has been cut from seven years to five, leading to quicker completion of conservation works and reduction in soil erosion.
Under springshed development, 411 springs have been rejuvenated in mountainous regions, with preliminary data showing up to three times increase in discharge.
With Watershed Yatra and Watershed Mahotsav already turning the programme into a Jan Andolan, the department said the objective now is taking reforms “from file to life” and making India drought-free by 2047.
By Our Reporter
