Shri Dilip Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), assessed the effectiveness and impact of watershed development works under PMKSY 2.0 in Khed, Pune district, Maharashtra on 30 October 2026.
On 30 October 2026, Shri Dilip Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, evaluated watershed development works under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in Varude, Gulani and Wafgaon villages of Pune district, Maharashtra. The key objectives of watershed development under the scheme include soil and water conservation measures, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable rural development.
During his interaction with villagers, Shri Kumar said, 'Water is the foundation of our future. Every drop of rain must be conserved to make villages water-secure and self-reliant.' He emphasized the importance of taking collective responsibility for maintaining and repairing the water harvesting structures created under the Watershed Development Scheme.
Shri Kumar inspected various watershed structures such as Continuous Contour Trenches (CCT), earthen nala bunds, cement nala bunds, Kolhapuri-type weirs, and ponds for water storage. He reviewed the impact of these structures on reducing rainwater runoff, enhancing groundwater recharge, improving water availability for agriculture, changes in groundwater levels, and benefits received by beneficiaries.
The Secretary also visited farm ponds, horticulture plantations, and agricultural equipment provided to beneficiaries under the scheme. He learned about the benefits extended to women’s self-help groups during his tour.
Villagers stated that watershed development works across 11 villages under the Khed Project had improved groundwater levels, enabling farmers to cultivate two to three crops annually thereby increasing agricultural income and rural livelihoods. They added that despite the drought-like conditions this year, water stored in farm ponds and improved water levels in wells associated with cement nala bunds and CCT structures have helped irrigate standing crops.
On 29 October 2026, Secretary DoLR chaired a review meeting at Yashada, Pune with Secretary, Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government of Maharashtra. He also reviewed the status of the WDC-PMKSY scheme, its financial and physical progress.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
