Watershed Mahotsav Celebrated at Stok Micro Watershed Under PMKSY WDC 2.0.

Watershed Mahotsav Celebrated at Stok Micro Watershed Under PMKSY WDC 2.0.
Leh, November 02,2025: The Stok Micro Watershed came alive with vibrant community participation as the Watershed Mahotsav was celebrated under the WDC-4 Chuchot–Thiksey project of PMKSY WDC 2.0, showcasing key achievements in natural resource management and livelihood enhancement in Leh district.
The event marked the Lokarpan of several completed watershed development works benefiting every household in Stok village. These included reservoir-cum-percolation tanks and improved irrigation khuls, aimed at boosting water availability and supporting the region’s agricultural requirements. The community also witnessed the Bhumi Pujan for new interventions, performed by the village’s religious head, Lamaji, for the Springshed Rejuvenation Project, signalling the start of activities focused on water conservation, afforestation, and soil-stabilisation.
A strong sense of community ownership defined the celebrations, which were attended by BDO Chuchot Shri Ghulam Mohammed Mir, the Nambardar of Stok, chairpersons and secretaries of micro-watershed committees, WDT members, SHG representatives, teachers, officials, and students from Government Middle School Stok.
As part of livelihood promotion, handloom weaving machines were distributed to women from Self Help Groups, providing a boost to the village’s handloom-based income generation. Cultural performances by schoolchildren—including dances, songs, and a quiz competition—highlighted the significance of water conservation, echoing the message: “Khet ka paani khet mein, gaon ka paani gaon mein.”
Project Officer and Nodal Officer for IWMP, Ms. Shenaz, briefed attendees on ongoing works under the production, livelihood, and Springshed rejuvenation components. She underscored the vital role of community participation and inter-departmental coordination in accelerating natural resource development.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, BDO Chuchot commended the watershed development team and the proactive involvement of villagers, stressing that such collaborative efforts are essential for sustainable development in water-stressed regions. The Nambardar of Stok expressed gratitude for the progress achieved under the NRM, livelihood, and production components and hoped for continued support in advancing the village’s development.
The Mahotsav concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen water security, safeguard natural resources, and empower local communities through the ongoing PMKSY WDC 2.0 programme, reaffirming Stok’s position as a model of participatory watershed development in Ladakh.