Department of Land Resource and Government of Andhra Pradesh to Host National Watershed Conference in Guntur from November 10-11, 2025 — UPSC Current Affairs | November 7, 2025
Department of Land Resource and Government of Andhra Pradesh to Host National Watershed Conference in Guntur from November 10-11, 2025
The Ministry of Rural Development and the Government of Andhra Pradesh will host a National Watershed Conference in Guntur to review the progress of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 and launch initiatives like Watershed Mahotsav and Mission Watershed Punarutthan. These efforts aim to promote sustainable watershed development and community participation across the country.
Overview The Ministry of Rural Development , in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh , is set to host a National Watershed Conference in Guntur from November 10-11, 2025 . This conference aims to review the implementation progress of the Watershed Development Component (WDC) of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (PMKSY 2.0) across all States and Union Territories. The event will also feature the launch of Watershed Mahotsav to promote public participation ( Jan-Bhagidari ) and Mission Watershed Punarutthan for the repair of existing watershed assets. Key Developments National Watershed Conference Date: November 10-11, 2025 Location: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Objective: To review the progress of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 implementation. Future Planning: To discuss the approach for future watershed development schemes post- 2026 . Watershed Mahotsav Purpose: To increase awareness and public participation ( Jan-Bhagidari ) in watershed development. Activities: Includes awarding winners of the Watershed Jan Bhagidari Cup 2025 , inaugurating completed works ( Lokarpan ), initiating new projects ( Bhumi Pujan ), community labor ( Shramdan ), and plantation drives. Attendees: Union Minister Shri Shivaraj Singh Chouhan , Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani , and Shri Konidala Pawan Kalyan . Mission Watershed Punarutthan Objective: To maintain and repair soil and water conservation structures created under the WDC - PMKSY 1.0 scheme. Funding: Utilizing funds from the MGNREGS scheme. Mechanism: Establishing an effective mechanism for undertaking repair works. About the Scheme: WDC-PMKSY 2.0 The Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) aimed at developing rainfed and degraded lands. It is implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development . The scheme covers all States and the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh . Major Activities Construction/rejuvenation of Check Dams , Village Tanks , and Farm Ponds . Rainwater harvesting and spring shed development. Nursery raising and plantation. Pasture development. Livelihood support for assetless persons. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS Paper 3 (Economy and Agriculture) and GS Paper 2 (Government Policies and Interventions) . It highlights government initiatives for sustainable agriculture, rural development, and water resource management. Understanding the objectives and components of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 , Watershed Mahotsav , and Mission Watershed Punarutthan is crucial for both prelims and mains examinations. Important Facts The National Watershed Conference will review the progress of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 . Watershed Mahotsav aims to promote Jan-Bhagidari . Mission Watershed Punarutthan focuses on repairing existing watershed assets. WDC-PMKSY 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme . The scheme is implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) . MGNREGS funds will be used for Mission Watershed Punarutthan .
The National Watershed Conference 2025 is scheduled for November 10-11 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
WDC-PMKSY 2.0 aims to develop rainfed and degraded lands.
Watershed Mahotsav promotes 'Jan-Bhagidari' in watershed development.
Mission Watershed Punarutthan focuses on repairing assets from previous watershed projects.
The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) implements WDC-PMKSY 2.0.
WDC-PMKSY 2.0 covers all states and the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
MGNREGS funds will be used for Mission Watershed Punarutthan.
Shri Shivaraj Singh Chouhan, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and Shri Konidala Pawan Kalyan will attend the Watershed Mahotsav launch.
Mains Angles (Analytical Discussion)
Analyze the significance of watershed development programs like WDC-PMKSY 2.0 in addressing agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable rural development.
Evaluate the role of 'Jan-Bhagidari' in the success of watershed management initiatives and suggest measures to enhance community participation.
Discuss the importance of Mission Watershed Punarutthan in ensuring the long-term sustainability of watershed projects and maximizing their impact.
Examine the challenges in implementing watershed development programs and suggest strategies for effective monitoring and evaluation.
Assess the convergence of WDC-PMKSY with other schemes like MGNREGS to achieve synergistic outcomes in rural development.
Essay Themes (Critical Thinking)
The role of watershed management in achieving water security and sustainable agriculture.
Community participation as a key driver of success in rural development initiatives.
Sustainable solutions for land degradation and climate change resilience.