Why in the news?
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (17 June) was celebrated across 813 project areas under the WDC–PMKSY 2.0 (Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0).
WDC–PMKSY 2.0
- Implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
- Focuses on:
- Soil and water conservation.
- Restoration of degraded lands.
- Enhancing resilience of rainfed agriculture.
- Sustainable watershed development.
Major Interventions
- Check dams, Percolation tanks, Farm ponds, Water harvesting and groundwater recharge structures
Key Outcomes
- Improved water availability in rainfed areas.
- Enables second and third crop cultivation.
- Enhances farmers’ income and livelihood security.
- Strengthens drought resilience and climate adaptation.
Activities Conducted
- Bhoomi Poojan of 1,444 new watershed development works.
- Lokarpan (Inauguration) of 8,341 completed watershed assets.
- Plantation of 51,299 saplings under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
- Public pledge: “For a Developed India, Let Us Build a Drought-Free India.”
Significance
- Promotes community-led land and water conservation.
- Supports land restoration, water security, and climate resilience.
- Contributes to sustainable rural development and combating desertification.
[2016] What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’?
1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
2. It has a special focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates allocation of major portions of financial resources to these regions.
3. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging participation of local people in combating desertification.
A 1 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3