Secretary RDD reviews progress on IWMP in J&K

OCTOBER 17: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Thursday chaired a meeting to evaluate progress on the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).The IWMP, now operating under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY-WDC 2.0), aims to improve the productive potential of rainfed and degraded lands through integrated watershed management.The meeting was attended by Secretary in RDD, Rachna Sharma, Director, RDD, Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat, Director Rural Development Jammu, Mumtaz Ali, Director Finance, Umar Khan, CEO IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, Additional Secretary, Kartar Singh and OSD to Secretary RD&PR, Shafeeq Wani.The Secretary reviewed the status of projects and assessed implementation of tendering processes for the works/activities under WDC-PMKSY 2.0. He emphasized the need for a futuristic approach to boost watershed management, enhance agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.The Secretary said that the department remains committed towards ensuring that the work continues in a timely and efficient manner. He asked the officials to accelerate implementation of ongoing projects and ensure that the benefits of IWMP reach the most remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to overall growth of the region.He reiterated the department’s commitment towards sustainable watershed management and rural development in Jammu and Kashmir.CEO IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, provided a comprehensive update on implementation of the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.Rajnish Kumar said that in February 2022, a total of 18 watershed projects were sanctioned for J&K under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, with a total budget of Rs 189.92 crore and additional 01 project was sanctioned in March 2023 with budget of Rs. 4.66 crore. These projects aim to treat 69493 hectares of land, and the implementation period is set to run until March 2026.He said, out of the 19 projects, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 17 have been prepared and approved, while the remaining two are currently under review by the Technical Committee. He also shared financial details, noting that since 2022-23, Rs 71.70 crore have been released under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, of which Rs 60.26 crore have been spent, marking a financial achievement of 84%.The IWMP has also undertaken a major capacity-building initiative to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Watershed Committee members, helping them understand the fundamental principles of the scheme.