UP govt renames Watershed Committee as 'Jalagam Samiti'

Lucknow, Jul 3 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government renamed the Watershed Committees as 'Jalagam Samitis' here on Thursday, with the belief that the renaming would enhance public engagement, according to a statement. As part of this initiative, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has constituted Watershed Committees under the leadership of the Gram Pradhan at the Gram Panchayat level, in line with the guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0.

According to GS Naveen, chief executive officer (CEO) of the state-level nodal agency under the Fallow Land Development Department, the chief minister has long prioritised the conservation of water and the promotion of natural resources.

Over the past eight years, the state government has constructed check dams, ponds and reservoirs, ensuring implementation of key initiatives under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, such as 'Per Drop More Crop' and 'Catch the Rain'.

"Building on this momentum, the government has now rebranded the Watershed Committees as 'Jalagam Samitis', a term rooted in local language and identity," the officer said in a statement. From now on, the state administrative machinery will refer to the committee as 'Jalagam Samiti' in their official communication and documentation. Relevant officials have been directed to make the necessary administrative updates to reflect this change, according to the statement. These committees will implement water conservation and land management schemes with active participation from the third-tier government and local communities. This renaming will enhance public engagement and understanding of the scheme's objectives within rural communities, the officer added. PTI KIS SHS HIG