Nagaland Launches Mission Punarutthan During Watershed Mahotsav 2025

The Government has launched the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 along with Mission Watershed Punarutthan at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima. The programme focuses on protecting natural water sources, improving soil health and helping rural communities manage water better. It highlights the importance of traditional water systems and encourages people to work together for long-term water security.

Main Goal of Mission Watershed Punarutthan

Mission Watershed Punarutthan aims to make villages water-secure and environmentally strong.

It focuses on:

• Reviving natural springs
• Improving watershed structures
• Increasing water availability in rural areas

The mission also supports community involvement, where villagers take the lead in conserving water bodies. Schemes like MGNREGA help strengthen these efforts by creating jobs and improving rural livelihoods.

Government Vision Behind the Initiative

During the launch event, the Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications said that water security is a national priority. He praised Nagaland for its rich tradition of community-based conservation practices. The government believes that restoring natural resources is essential to protect the environment and prepare for future climate challenges.

Progress Made under PMKSY in Nagaland

Nagaland has shown strong achievement under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and watershed development programmes.

Key developments include:

• 14 watershed projects approved in the state
• ₹140 crore sanctioned, out of which ₹80 crore has been released
• 555 water-harvesting structures repaired and strengthened
• 120 natural springs revived
• More than 6,500 farmers benefited

North Eastern States also receive 90% central assistance, which helps speed up development.

How the Programme Supports National Water Goals?

India has only about 4% of the world’s freshwater, but supports a very large population. Because of this, initiatives like PMKSY are important to save water, recharge groundwater levels and support multiple crop cycles. Such programmes help villages deal with water scarcity, improve soil moisture and make rural areas more climate-resilient.