Union Minister of Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the nationwide 'Watershed Yatra' on February 05, 2025, in a hybrid mode, aiming to encourage mass participation and awareness regarding watershed development under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0). The initiative inaugurated simultaneously across the country, with approximately 800 Gram Panchayats and over one lakh people actively joining the launch.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Chouhan highlighted the significance of soil and water conservation in ensuring sustainable agricultural growth and environmental protection. He urged citizens to engage wholeheartedly in the Yatra, emphasizing that the initiative would strengthen a community-driven approach, energize field-level implementation, and promote responsible natural resource management.
Various activities, including Bhoomi Poojan of new projects, the inauguration of completed works, Watershed Mahotsav, Watershed ki Panchayat, and recognition of Watershed Margdarshaks, will be conducted to reinforce the message of sustainable resource management.
To further incentivize community participation, Chouhan announced the ‘Watershed - Janbhagidari Pratiyogita’ for the years 2025 and 2026 under WDC-PMKSY 2.0. This competition, based on a public-private-people partnership model, will assess watershed projects based on their performance and community involvement.
The projects that are doing excellent and remarkable work will be awarded an additional reward of Rs. 20 lakh per project, with a total allocation of Rs. 70.80 crore benefiting 177 projects annually. Evaluations for the competition will take place in April each year, promoting a healthy spirit of competition and fostering a sense of ownership among rural communities.
The Watershed Yatra will span 60 to 90 days, covering 805 projects across 26 states and two union territories. The initiative will include expert discussions on sustainable soil and water management and the recognition of 8,000 individuals who have contributed significantly to watershed development.
To engage youth, the Department has introduced a Learning Management System (LMS) linked to the MY Bharat portal, where participating volunteers will receive certificates for their involvement.
The Watershed Yatra aims to mobilize youth volunteers, enhance community participation, and establish a dedicated workforce committed to watershed conservation, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience.
The event also saw the participation of Union Ministers of State for Rural Development, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Kamlesh Paswan, along with ministers and officials from various states and union territories.
