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JAMMU: In a significant step towards sustainable water management, the Government of India is all set to launch the “Watershed Yatra”—a nationwide awareness campaign under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).

The campaign will be flagged off on February 5 at the national level by Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, which will be virtually broadcast across India, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Simultaneously, in Jammu and Kashmir, the yatra will be inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Departments, Javed Ahmad Dar, from Hiranagar, Kathua.

A state-of-the-art “Watershed Yatra Van, equipped with Augmented Reality (AR) tools and digital demonstrations, will traverse 2,400 km across Jammu and Kashmir, targeting over 5 lakh residents through interactive workshops, community activities and awareness drives. The campaign, running until March 1, 2025, will culminate in Jammu, showcasing cutting-edge techniques in watershed conservation, soil health enhancement and rainwater harvesting.

The primary aim of this campaign is to encourage public participation and raise awareness about watershed development under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) across all states and Union Territories (UTs) in India.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, highlighted the campaign's broader vision. "The Watershed Yatra is not just an awareness drive; it is a movement to inspire communities to adopt watershed development practices and contribute to the national goals of water security and agricultural sustainability," he maintained.

Rajnish Kumar explained that the yatra has been designed to create a ripple effect, encouraging more communities to actively participate in watershed management initiatives. "By engaging local populations, especially the youth, we aim to build a strong network of motivated individuals and communities who are committed towards the cause of watershed development," he added.

The CEO underscored the long-term impact of the campaign, stating, "We hope this initiative will lead to a significant improvement in water availability, soil health and agricultural productivity. Ultimately, it will benefit thousands of farmers and rural households.”

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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