Leh, May 30: The Advisor to the Union Territory of Ladakh and Chairman of the Union Territory Level Sanctioning Committee (UTLSC), Dr Pawan Kotwal, chaired a significant meeting to review and approve the Annual Action Plan for the Watershed Development Component-Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) for the fiscal year 2024-25 at Civil Secretariat, Leh.

At the outset of the meeting, the Administrative Secretary of the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department, Ladakh Amit Sharma, gave the introductory speech on the WDC-PMKSY 2.0 to the Advisor. Followed by a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation outlining the projects and funds sanctioned for the fiscal year 2022-23 and achievements under the Watershed Development Component-Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) 1.0 for 2023-2024 by the Director of the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department, Ladakh, Syed Sajjad Qadri.

The presentation highlighted the key activities and phases of the WDC-PMKSY 2.0 projects, emphasizing the procurement process for the release of installments for the current year. Detailed expenditure reports were provided, showcasing the utilization of funds and progress in various projects, including the Micro Watershed Projects in Kargil and Leh under WDC 1.0.

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The roles and responsibilities of the Watershed Development Team (WDT) were outlined, and a comprehensive proposal for fund allocation for activities under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 for the financial year 2024-25 was presented.

The Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal highlighted the importance of transparency and adherence to guidelines in all schemes. He directed officials to prioritize the construction of check dams over water reservoirs which must be sourced by harvesting water and he emphasized the promotion of both traditional and modern systems of water conservation and preservation of the existing water bodies.

Dr Pawan Kotwal urged the District Magistrates of Leh and Kargil to take proactive measures in implementing these directives to enhance the efficacy of water conservation efforts and ensure the sustainable management of water resources across Ladakh.

The Administrative Secretary Amit Sharma gave assurance to the Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal on the efficiency of water conservation, preservation, and sustainable management of water resources and WDC-PMKSY 2.0.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner/Secretary of the Forest Ecology & Environment Department, Ladakh; the Commissioner/Secretary of the Planning Development & Monitoring Department and the Agriculture/Animal Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries Department, Ladakh; the Administrative Secretary of the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department, Ladakh; District Magistrate/CEO, LAHDC, Leh; Director, DIHAR, Leh; Director, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Ladakh; Director, Animal Husbandry, Ladakh; Director, Horticulture, Ladakh; Chief Agriculture Officer, Leh; Superintendent Engineer of PHE/I&FC, Leh; Under Secretary of the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department, Ladakh; representative of SKUAST, Leh; and Nodal Officer of Watershed Management Project, Leh, while District Magistrate/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil; Assistant Commissioner Development, Kargil; Director, DIHAR, Leh; Director, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Ladakh; Chief Agriculture Officer, Kargil; Senior Scientist of SKUAST Kargil, and concerned officers joined the meeting virtually.