National Rainfed Area Authority Organizes Brainstorming Workshop on Satellite and Drone-based Survey for Watershed Planning and Monitoring under REWARD Programme

**Executive Summary** The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) organized a brainstorming workshop in Jaipur on July 16, 2026, to discuss satellite and drone-based surveys for the World Bank-assisted REWARD programme. The event aimed to standardize methodologies for watershed planning and monitoring to update National Technical Guidelines (NTG). The outcomes of this workshop will serve as critical inputs for the upcoming WDC-PMKSY 3.0 framework. **Key Points / Main Content** **Workshop Objectives and Context** * **Technological Integration:** The workshop focused on the practical application of satellite and drone technologies for watershed development, including planning, implementation, and evaluation. * **REWARD Programme:** The initiative is part of the "Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through innovative Development" (REWARD) program, a World Bank-assisted project. * **Knowledge Partnership:** NRAA acted as the knowledge partner for the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) in organizing the event. **Policy and Technical Guidelines** * **Standardization:** A primary goal is to obtain expert guidance to incorporate standardized methodologies into the National Technical Guidelines (NTG). * **Future Frameworks:** The deliberations and technological standards discussed will provide direct input for the implementation of WDC-PMKSY 3.0. * **Regional Guidance:** The CEO of NRAA emphasized that the NTG must provide clear, region-specific guidance on the appropriate use of these technologies across different geographical areas. **Impact Analysis** **National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) & Department of Land Resources (DoLR)** **Impact:** They are responsible for steering the technical direction of national watershed programs. **Action Required:** Integrate the expert guidance and standardized methodologies discussed into the National Technical Guidelines. **State Government Departments (Watershed and Panchayati Raj)** **Impact:** Officials from states such as Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra are affected by changes in planning and monitoring protocols. **Action Required:** Align state-level watershed planning, implementation, and monitoring processes with the updated technological guidelines. **Technical Institutes and Industry Partners (e.g., MNCFC, NGOs)** **Impact:** These stakeholders provide the technical expertise and operational support for remote sensing and drone surveys. **Action Required:** Collaborate with government bodies to provide advancements and practical applications of technology to meet new national standards.

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