Shillong, February 07: The Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, today, attended a Public Programme of Self Help Groups under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, (PMKSY-WDC 2.0) and distributed cheques of Rs 50,000 each to SHGs from different districts of the State. Also present was Minister, Soil and Water Conservation, Marcuise N Marak.
Speaking to the gathering, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, said that water is an important resource for any nation and accessibility to safe and potable water will a challenge for many nations. “All researches and studies are indicating towards a major water crisis,” he added.
He also said that Meghalaya is blessed with enough water resources but the issue is with the management of water. “Through the years we have not been able to manage our water resources to efficiently and optimally,” he said.
“What we are doing today is a major step towards ensuring that our water and water resources in a better manner,” he added. The Chief Minister also said that a lot of people are dependent on the forest, land and water resources for livelihood.
“We have to adopt a two-pronged approach whereby the resources will be managed but at the same time people will have an alternative source of livelihood for a successful outcome that is sustainable,” he said. He further said that to successfully implement these two strategies the involvement of the community is the best way to move forward.
Earlier, Minister, Soil and Water Conservation, Marcuise N Marak said that PMKSY has played an important role in enabling SHGs to implement various income generating activities, adopt modern agricultural practices and strengthen livelihood in the activities and the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY has not only focused on livelihood enhancement but has also improved the production systems of the farmers in the state.
He also informed that through the convergence among various schemes and programs by integrating efforts across sectors like Agriculture, Rural Development, Forestry and Water Resource Management PMKSY has achieved comprehensive and sustainable development.
He also informed that the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY has contributed to improving the agricultural sector, empowered communities and created livelihood opportunities. Various SHGs from Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills also shared their experiences during the occasion.
