District Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsüvisie Phoji with officials and participants during the district-level watershed yatra held at the Yimchalu on February 14. (DIPR Photo)
District-level watershed Yatra underway in Mokokchung
MOKOKCHUNG, FEBRUARY 14 (MExN): The District-Level watershed Yatra, organized by the Department of Land Resources (LDR), Government of Nagaland, is currently underway at the Yimchalu Village Community Hall in Mokokchung District. The event, which started on February 14, seeks to raise awareness and foster participation in watershed development and land conservation efforts.
The program commenced with a welcome address by the Chairman of Yimchalu Village Council, C Wati Walling. In her keynote address, Sentinungla, the District Project Officer (DPO) for LRD, provided an overview of the Yatra, which began in Kohima on February 5 and reached Mokokchung on February 13.
Describing the Yatra as a “pilgrimage,” she stressed its purpose of creating mass awareness and encouraging public involvement in land and water conservation. She also highlighted the significance of preventing migration due to water scarcity, urging communities to implement water conservation structures such as trenches and tanks to preserve soil fertility for future generations.
District Commissioner (DC) of Mokokchung, Thsüvisie Phoji, administered the Land and Water Conservation Pledge and delivered a special address. He noted that less than 50% of the rural population in the district is engaged in agricultural activities, with many shifting towards plantations. He questioned whether this shift signaled progress or environmental degradation.
Emphasizing the favorable climate conditions of Nagaland, as well as Yimchalu's abundant water resources, the DC called for their sustainable use to ensure long-term development. He also addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity affecting Mokokchung and other major districts and called for collective action to safeguard water resources. The DC commended Yimchalu Village for its proactive efforts and encouraged the community to lead by example for neighboring villages and the state.
The event featured a variety of engaging activities, including a short play performed by the Music & Drama Committee of Eden Academy, Mokokchung. Additionally, a knowledge-sharing session, Watershed ki Paathshala, was conducted by Ruokuosietuo Dzüvichu, DSCO, Mokokchung, and B. Imti Tzudir, District Agriculture Officer, Mokokchung. A special folk dance performance was also presented by the Yimchalu Students Cultural Troupe.
Participants engaged in several competitions and exhibitions, including a painting contest on the theme “Save Trees, Save Earth”, a quiz competition, and a display and sale of Self-Help Group (SHG) products. Other activities included a van activity (AR) and Shramdaan (community service) efforts focused on Coffee Bush Management at a coffee plantation site, organized by the Yimchalu Watershed Committee.
The event concluded with the Lokarpan (Handing Over) Phase, where the District Project Officer, LRD, Mokokchung, handed over assets such as the Watershed Structure (WHS) and a Water Reservoir Tank, marking a significant step in the district’s watershed development initiatives.
Watershed Yatra in Wokha
The Department of Land Resources also organised a three days awareness campaign on watershed Yatra at Lakhuti village, Akuk village and Sanis town under Wokha district from February 10-12.
ADC Sanis, Benjamin Longkap stressed on the importance of conservation termed, land and water as the basis of life, and encouraged the gathering for efficient conservation, and promotion of land and water resources management for our livelihood and sustainability.
Appealing to support government initiatives in achieving sustainability, he encouraged the gathering to take proactive part in such programme so as to increase community participation and reminded that such scheme aims not only to benefit the present generation but also focuses to benefit the future generation as well.
Painting competition and quiz competition was also conducted during the three days awareness campaign in all the locations. The campaign also witnessed Shramdaan activities like spring rejuvenation works, bush management and soil conservation works at coffee farm and soil and moisture conservation works & weed management at coffee farm, which was demonstrated by Lakhuti watershed committee, Akuk and Sanis watershed committee respectively.
The closing phase (Lokarpan) was done by DPO, Land Resources, Wokha, Puthuto Natso.
