02 October 2026
“FROM FILE TO LIFE”: WDC-PMKSY 2.0 PROGRAMME TAKE ROOT ACROSS SIKKIM
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), WDC-PMKSY 2.0, Forest & Environment Department, Government of Sikkim, participated in the Special Gram Sabhas across all Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) covered under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 projects in Namchi, Soreng, Gyalshing, Pakyong and Mangan districts.
The Gram Sabhas provided a platform to brief local communities on the ongoing watershed projects, key reforms under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 and the benefits and transformation achieved through watershed interventions. The programme carried forward the theme “From File to Life”, focusing on how watershed investments are translating into visible improvements in the lives of rural communities.
The key reforms include integration of watershed development within the comprehensive PMKSY framework in 2015, for coordinated and convergent management of land and water resources. The unit cost under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 was enhanced from ₹12,000 to ₹22,000 per hectare in plain areas and from ₹15,000 to ₹28,000 per hectare in hilly and difficult areas, enabling more comprehensive and quality watershed interventions. Rationalisation of the project implementation period from 4–7 years to 3–5 years for faster delivery of watershed benefits; springshed development and scientific rejuvenation of springs for improved water security in hilly and mountainous areas. Initiatives such as Watershed Yatra and Watershed Mahotsav, Janbhagidaari, Lakarpan, Shramdaan, etc. are build community ownership and long-term maintenance of watershed assets, in line with the vision of making watershed development a Jan Andolan.
At the national level, WDC-PMKSY has created or rejuvenated 8.86 lakh water-harvesting and groundwater-recharge structures, provided additional protective irrigation to 19.45 lakh hectares, benefited 60.31 lakh farmers, and generated 6.65 crore person-days of employment. Under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, 3,808 of 4,878 identified springs have been rejuvenated, improving spring discharge and water availability.
In the Gram Sabhas, the watershed functionaries highlighted interventions in Sikkim State including springshed development, roof rainwater harvesting structures, bench terracing, horticulture plantations, livelihood activities and mixed-tree plantations under Production Systems. These interventions are contributing to improved water security, soil and moisture conservation, agricultural productivity, livelihood opportunities and climate resilience.
A key feature of the Gram Sabhas was the participation of watershed beneficiaries, who shared their experiences and testimonials on how watershed interventions have brought tangible changes to their farms, livelihoods, water availability and communities. Expressing their appreciation, the beneficiaries thanked the Department of Land Resources, Government of India, and the Government of Sikkim for implementing this transformative programme and bringing meaningful changes to their lives.
The State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), PMKSY WDC-2.0, Forest and Environment Department will also encourage documentation of beneficiary experiences through photographs, testimonials and participation records. Relevant citizen suggestions and local priorities emerging from the Gram Sabha will be linked with Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and convergence processes, wherever appropriate.
The SLNA appreciated the active participation of Gram Panchayats, PIAs, Watershed Development Committees, Watershed Yoddhas, Margdarshaks, beneficiaries and community members in making the PMKSY WDC-2.0 a meaningful grassroots initiative and making the Special Gram Sabha a grand success.
The real success of a watershed programme is not only in the assets created, but in the improvement, they bring to people’s lives.
State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) – PMKSY WDC- 2.0
Forest & Environment Department, Government of Sikkim
