The National Watershed Conference commenced today in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The conference will continue through November 11th, 2025. The focus is on integrating innovation, technology, and community participation into the next phase of the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC–PMKSY 3.0). The conference, organized by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, brings together senior officials from the Central and State Governments, research institutions, and representatives from various NGOs to deliberate on strategies for sustainable and resilient watershed management.
The conference was inaugurated by Shri Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, who emphasized the need for forward-looking soil and water conservation programs. The event was also attended by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, DoLR, Shri Shashi Bhushan Kumar, Principal Secretary, PR & RD, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Shri Nitin Khade, Joint Secretary, DoLR. Joint Secretary, DoLR, stated that field experiences and ideas shared during the event would shape the design of WDC–PMKSY 3.0, and its key recommendations will contribute to the formulation of the next-phase framework for watershed development programs.
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Key Entities Referenced
WDC–PMKSY 3.0: Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Phase 3.0
Department of Land Resources (DoLR): The department organizing the National Watershed Conference.
Ministry of Rural Development: The parent ministry of the Department of Land Resources.
Guntur: The location of the National Watershed Conference.
Ministry of Rural Development
National Watershed Conference Begins in
Guntur; Focus on Innovation and Community
Participation for WDC–PMKSY 3.0
Posted On: 10 NOV 2025 11:02PM by PIB Delhi
The National Watershed Conference commenced today at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on
integrating innovation, technology, and community participation into the next phase of the Watershed
Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC–PMKSY 3.0).
The two-day conference, being organized by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of
Rural Development, Government of India, brings together senior officials from the Central and State
Governments, research institutions, and representatives from various NGOs to deliberate on strategies
for sustainable and resilient watershed management.Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Shri Chandra Sekhar
Pemmasani, inaugurated the conference as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Shri
Manoj Joshi, Secretary, DoLR, Shri Shashi Bhushan Kumar, Principal Secretary, PR & RD,
Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Shri Nitin Khade, Joint Secretary, DoLR.
In his address, Shri Pemmasani emphasized the need for forward-looking soil and water conservation
programmes that balance present and future water requirements. He highlighted the importance of
combining modern technology with community participation to create innovative and sustainable
watershed solutions.
Secretary, DoLR, underlined the need to shift from conventional watershed practices to integrated and
holistic approaches, suggesting inclusion of river restoration and revival of traditional water bodies
within watershed activities.
Principal Secretary, PR & RD, Andhra Pradesh, traced the evolution of watershed development
programmes and thanked DoLR for selecting Guntur as the venue. Joint Secretary, DoLR, stated that
field experiences and ideas shared during the event would shape the design of WDC–PMKSY 3.0.
The conference will continue till 11th November 2025, and its key recommendations will contribute
to the formulation of the next-phase framework for watershed development programmes.
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RC/AR
(Release ID: 2188598) Visitor Counter : 79