Union Minister for Rural Development reviews progress of WDC-PMKSY; Stresses on accelerating watershed development towards 'Drought-Free India'

The Union Minister for Rural Development reviewed the progress of the Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY) of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. The review highlighted that under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, 1,220 projects covering 52.93 lakh hectares have been sanctioned at a total cost of ₹12,404 crore, with a central share of ₹8,134 crore and ₹6,955.75 crore released so far. The scheme aims to improve land productivity, farm incomes, and rural livelihoods, contributing to a 'Drought-Free India'. Achievements cited include the construction and rejuvenation of 1.24 lakh water harvesting structures, protective irrigation across 3.08 lakh hectares, afforestation and horticulture over 1.45 lakh hectares, the generation of 2.85 crore man-days of employment, and benefits extending to 28.50 lakh farmers.