Water harvesting project inaugurated in Rngad village

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 16, 2021

The Umbather Water Harvesting Scheme at Rngad Village, East Jaintia Hills District was inaugurated by B Rani, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat in the presence of RR Lyngskor, Executive Engineer, Water Resource Department, East Jaintia Hills District, DB. Dhar, Assistant Director Agro (ADA), B Milliemngap, I/c District Agriculture Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, and the Village Headman of  Rngad, D Lamo among others.

B Rani in her speech as the chief guest lauded the Water Resource Department and the Office District Agriculture Officer, and the village headman for their efforts in successfully completing the project. She said that the water harvesting project is a blessing for the village and urged the people at the gathering to upkeep the water harvesting structure in the village so that it will benefit the people.

Rani said that agriculture is the backbone of the economy and the farmers play a major role as the providers of food to the people. “The Government has been implementing various schemes for the welfare of the people and as the beneficiaries, you should make good use of the schemes”, she said. She also hoped that the Water harvesting structure in the village will bring about a positive change to many households and farmers of the village in the years to come.

Executive Engineer, Water Resource Department, RR Lyngskor informed that it is the first time that the project under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sinchayee Yojana(PMKSY)- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) is being implemented in the state. He also stated that the Water Harvesting Scheme was sanctioned by the Central and State Government in the year 2018-2019 and completed in the year 2021 at an amount of Rs. 22.697 Lakhs covering an area of 11.50 Hectares and will benefit Seven 7 households in the village. He also stressed on the importance of conserving water by preserving the water sources in the village and encouraged the process of recharging ground water by planting trees and constructing trenches whereby rainwater can be tapped for recharging the ground water sources.

Assistant Director Agro (ADA) DB Dhar, said that the project will benefit the people and will boost agricultural activities in the village. He reiterated on the importance of afforestation and preventing wildfire as it can have a direct impact of reducing vegetation cover and increase of soil erosion.

He encouraged the famers to utilize their agricultural land in cultivating crops throughout the year which can help improve the fertility of the soil and will also generate income. He further stated that the farmers before cultivating any crop should visit the Agriculture Office in the district to get more knowledge on the crops that are suitable for their area, the type of soil, the seed and manures required for cultivation.   

During the programme, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat also handed over the Water Harvesting Scheme to the Water Users Association of Rngad Village.