SRINAGAR: Javid Ahmed Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives, and Election Departments, officially launched the website of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) on Thursday at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.
The launch event was attended by key officials including Commissioner/Secretary of the Rural Development Department, Babila Rakwal; Secretary of the Information Technology Department, Dr. Piyush Singla; CEO IWMP, Rajnish Kumar; and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister underscored the significance of the IWMP web portal as a major step toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and public engagement in watershed development across Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that the portal will offer real-time updates on watershed interventions, enabling citizens to monitor on-ground progress, resource utilization, and identify key areas for improvement.
“From mapping ponds and reservoirs to detailing catchment-specific interventions, the IWMP portal demonstrates our commitment to climate-resilient development — even in the remotest Panchayats,” said Dar.
He highlighted the ecological sensitivity of rainfed regions in J&K, noting their vulnerability to land degradation and water scarcity. The new digital platform, he said, will significantly strengthen the planning, monitoring, and execution of watershed projects tailored to these areas.
The Minister emphasized the critical role of constructing small reservoirs for effective water conservation and reiterated that digitization will enhance the efficiency and transparency of watershed management. “Preserving water through small reservoirs can have a substantial impact, and digital tools are key to tracking and optimizing these efforts,” he added.
Commissioner/Secretary Babila Rakwal praised the initiative as a “transformative tool” that will significantly improve the implementation of watershed programmes at the grassroots level.
IT Secretary Dr. Piyush Singla highlighted the pivotal role of technology in enhancing public service delivery and interdepartmental coordination. He stressed the need for dynamic, user-friendly government websites, noting that static portals often fail to engage citizens effectively.
CEO IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, presented an overview of the portal’s capabilities and reiterated the department’s commitment to sustainable watershed development through data-driven strategies and modern technology.
He informed that the newly launched portal — iwmp.jk.gov.in — has been developed under the WDC–PMKSY 2.0 scheme as a robust, interactive digital platform to enhance transparency, accessibility, and real-time information sharing on watershed projects. The portal provides access to project guidelines, implementation progress, success stories, and more — aimed at promoting evidence-based planning and encouraging active community participation.
Currently, 19 projects are under implementation through the IWMP, covering a cumulative area of 69,493 hectares across Jammu and Kashmir.
