LEH: A series of completed watershed assets were formally handed over for community ownership during the Watershed Mahotsav celebrated at Basgo Micro Watershed under the WDC–05 Leh Nimmo Project on Tuesday, underscoring grassroots participation in sustaining development gains.
The event drew enthusiastic involvement from local residents as ACD RDD & PRI A.G. Zargar attended as Chief Guest, joined by Naib Tehsildar Nimmo Mushtaq Ahmed, the Nambardar, Micro Watershed representatives, SHGs, UGs, teachers and students of Govt. High School Nimmo, and farmers.
Community representatives welcomed the achievements delivered by IWMP Leh in Soil and Water Conservation. Water reservoir-cum-percolation tanks, I-khuls, snow check dams, land development, solar-lifting pumps and chain-link fencing have revived cultivable land and supported plantation along with fodder intercropping through drip irrigation under the NRM component.
Speakers also drew attention to interventions under the Production Component, including crop diversification, free distribution of certified seeds of fodder and pea varieties, improved apple plantation and modernisation of traditional water mills. Livelihood support through handloom weaving and processing units for women Self-Help Groups was lauded as a step towards financial empowerment.
Project Officer and Nodal Officer Shenaz outlined completed works and upcoming plans for the next working season while urging community responsibility in managing the newly created assets.
Addressing the gathering, Zargar praised the visible transformation brought by the watershed programme and reaffirmed that RDD & PRI will continue efforts to uplift rural communities. Naib Tehsildar Ahmed assured prompt redressal of public grievances raised during the interaction session with farmers.
Students from Govt. High School Nimmo added vibrancy with a quiz promoting water conservation under the message “Khet ka paani khet mein, gaon ka paani gaon mein.”
The programme concluded with farmers’ engagement, formal transfer of newly completed works to community control, and Bhumi Pujan at designated sites, marking the launch of the next phase of interventions under the watershed initiative.
