Special Gram Sabha Successfully Conducted Across Nine GPUs under WDC-PMKSY 2.0,
Pakyong-I
Pakyong,2nd October: The Special Gram Sabha under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, Pakyong-I Project was successfully conducted across all nine Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) of the project area—Budang-Kamarey, East Pendam, Chalamthang-Pacheykhani, Taza, Amba, Tareythang-Bering, Tarpin, Rhenock and Aritar.
The Sabhas were organised by the respective Gram Panchayats, in coordination with the Social Forestry Division, Pakyong, Forest & Environment Department, Government of Sikkim. The programme brought together Panchayat representatives, Watershed Committees, beneficiaries, Self-Help Groups
(SHGs), Milk Producing Cooperative Society (MPCS) members, field officials and community
stakeholders.
At each GPU, the DFO-cum-PIA, Range Officers, Programme Coordinators and departmental officials presented the major interventions undertaken under the project, including Bench Terracing, Plantation,
MPT and Fodder Plantation, Horticulture, Soil and Moisture Conservation, Dharavikash, Water
Harvesting, Springshed Development and livelihood support, including assistance to dairy farmers.
The presentations highlighted the implementation and field-level progress of these activities.
An important feature of the programme was the active participation of beneficiaries and community institutions, including Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and members of Milk Producing Cooperative Societies (MPCS).
Beneficiaries, SHG members and MPCS members shared their experiences regarding the various interventions and support provided under the project. Discussions covered Bench Terracing, Plantation, MPT Plantation, horticulture and fodder development, water conservation activities, dairy-related livelihood support and other assistance.
The participants shared their experiences of the benefits derived from these interventions and the manner in which the assistance and assets provided under the project have been utilised at the household and community levels. The interaction also provided an opportunity for beneficiaries and community institutions to share their views directly with Panchayat representatives and field officials.
Emphasis was placed on community participation, ownership and proper maintenance of watershed
assets.
The discussions also encouraged Watershed Committees and beneficiaries to remain actively
involved in sustainable management of soil and water resources.
The successful completion of the Special Gram Sabha across all nine GPUs provided a meaningful platform for reviewing project progress, sharing field-level experiences and strengthening community participation in sustainable watershed development.
