Kolkata, Oct. 2 -- In a major stride towards the preservation of soil and water bodies, the Suvendu Adhikari government, in collaboration with the Centre, started 'Reform Utsav' in Gram Panchayats on Friday. The project will further improve water availability in drought-prone areas.

Significant reforms have been undertaken under the watershed development programme (WDC-PMKSY) during the last 12 years. The project will help farmers cultivate 2 to 3 crops, significantly increasing their income. The project will help transform watershed development from a government programme into a 'mass campaign,' with communities taking an active role in planning, implementation and stewardship of soil and water conservation.

The allotment of funds has increased from Rs 12,000 per hectare to Rs 22,000 in plain areas. In hilly and difficult areas, the amount has increased from Rs 15,000 per hectare to Rs 28,000. Now, under watershed development projects, more funds are available per hectare, so soil, water resources, and farms can be developed better. Due to the projects, the water availability for agriculture has improved, soil erosion has been reduced, and land productivity has improved. Farmers' and rural families' incomes have increased. According to a state government official, the project will ensure that more soil and water conservation works are taken up and the programme is implemented better in villages.

Under the 'Reform Utsav' programme, watershed development reforms will be taken to the grassroots with 9,593 Gram Panchayats disseminating watershed reforms through Gram Sabhas. The initiative is being integrated with the People's Plan Campaign (PPC) - 'Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas'.

"In the state, watershed development-related reforms and information will be disseminated in around 126 Gram Panchayats covering 27 watershed development projects. Thereafter, 'Reform Utsav' activities are proposed on 14 at District and Project-level. To conserve soil, it's essential to conserve water," reads a press statement.

In the country, around 3.4 crore hectares have been covered in the last 12 years under watershed development programmes. In West Bengal, 1,29,200 hectares have been covered, benefiting around 2,29,418 marginal farmers and the

farming community.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.