Chief Minister Dhami Initiates Revival of Uttarakhand Rivers, Strengthens Climate-Friendly Agriculture

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to rejuvenate two state rivers and build small ponds in forest fire-sensitive areas. He emphasized sustainable water management, enhanced farmer income, and climate-friendly agriculture under the World Bank-funded 'Uttarakhand Climate Friendly Rainfed Agriculture Project'.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has mandated officials to select two rivers for revival efforts while reviewing the Jalgam Department at the Jalgam Management Directorate in Indranagar. Dhami instructed the selection of one river from Garhwal Mandal and one from Kumaon Mandal during Thursday's meeting.

He also emphasized the construction of small ponds in forest fire-prone areas and sought public cooperation for conserving natural resources. Dhami stressed the importance of increasing local livelihoods and evaluating the impact of various projects on water sources, urging work towards reviving those affected by construction activities. Prioritizing schemes under the Vibrant Village initiative was also highlighted.

The Chief Minister directed the swift completion of externally aided projects and prioritizing Central Government-assisted schemes with a 90 per cent central share. He tasked the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority with developing and monitoring both short and long-term plans for natural water sources and rain-fed rivers.

Additionally, Dhami called for sustainable water resource management, land and ecosystem management, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation in watershed development project planning. Collaboration with the Forest Department to reduce human-wildlife conflict and enhancing farmer income through horticulture and agro-forestry on barren lands were also discussed. Women's participation for empowerment in watershed schemes was underscored.

The meeting highlighted the 'Uttarakhand Climate Friendly Rainfed Agriculture Project', a World Bank-funded scheme approved by the Watershed Department to benefit mountain agriculture and reduce greenhouse gases from 2024 to 2030. This Rs 1148 crore project aims to manage water drainage, reduce soil erosion, and boost farmers' income through carbon fencing and high-value crop production.

The ongoing work under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Watershed Development Component 2.0 covers three districts: Pauri, Almora, and Pithoragarh.

(With inputs from agencies.)