The Department of Land Resources has organized a two-day consultation meeting to discuss draft National Technical Guidelines for improved watershed management under the World Bank's REWARD program. The meeting brings together policymakers, experts, and representatives from various states.
On November 4–5, 2026, the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, in collaboration with the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR-NBSS&LUP), Nagpur, organized a two-day 3rd National Level Consultation Meeting. This meeting aimed to discuss the Draft National Technical Guidelines for Improved Watershed Management under World Bank Assisted ‘Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD)’ Programme. The consultation was held at ICAR-NBSS&LUP, Nagpur. The meeting gathered senior policymakers, technical experts, development partners, researchers, and representatives of various States to deliberate on strengthening watershed development through scientific, technology-driven, cost-effective, and participatory approaches.
The inaugural session was attended by Shri Dilip Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Kumar, IAS, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), Shri Nitin Khade, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ms. Priti Kumar, Senior Agriculture Specialist and Task Team Leader, World Bank, Dr. Susama Sudhishri, Technical Expert (Watershed Development) NRAA and Dr. N.G. Patil, Director, ICAR-NBSS&LUP, along with other distinguished delegates.
Secretary, DoLR, Shri Dilip Kumar emphasized the need for a balance between scientific rigour and practical implementation in watershed development programs. He stressed that technical guidelines should not become so rigid that they create difficulties for field-level implementation, providing flexibility to States while taking into account their institutional capacities, technical capabilities, and varying administrative arrangements.
Shri Dilip Kumar highlighted the importance of efficient financial management, stating that funds allocated to the Department should be utilised effectively and speedily by the States.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
