Secretary RD&PR reviews progress of IWMP projects across J&K
SRINAGAR: Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department (RD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to evaluate the physical and financial progress of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by CEO IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, along with all Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs), Project Managers, and District Level Technical Experts (DLTEs).
During the review, the Secretary expressed concern over the slow pace of expenditure and underperformance in certain districts. He instructed officers to expedite the execution of ongoing works and ensure effective inter-departmental coordination for timely and quality implementation of projects.
He also directed for 100% utilization of funds allocated for plantation and watershed treatment activities during the current financial year, stressing that all plantation and Natural Resource Management (NRM) works must be completed within the ongoing cycle.
Providing an overview of progress, the Secretary informed that 2,749 of the targeted 4,736 NRM works have been completed so far, covering 34,785 hectares against the total treatment target of 69,493 hectares. He further highlighted that 5.54 lakh plantations have been undertaken across various districts, besides the establishment of 238 polyhouses and 2,918 vermicompost units, along with the distribution of 3,734 toolkits to beneficiaries.
He also noted the formation of 233 Self Help Groups (SHGs) to strengthen community-based livelihood initiatives.
Highlighting the department’s collaboration with academia, Secretary Asad said that MoUs have been signed with the University of Kashmir and SKUAST-Kashmir for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of 300 springs.
He directed officers to adhere to set timelines, ensure beneficiary identification through Gram Sabhas, and maintain transparency and accountability at all stages.
“Our collective goal must be to rejuvenate land and water resources, enhance livelihoods, and build climate resilience in rural areas. Watershed projects are not just about soil and water—they are about empowering communities,” he emphasized.
CEO IWMP informed that 19 projects covering 69,493 hectares across 17 districts have been sanctioned under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 at a total cost of ₹194.58 crore.
