Anantnag, Oct 22 (JKNS): In a significant step towards promoting climate resilience and sustainable development, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Zainapora, Bilal Ahmad, Wednesday off an exposure visit of 29 Village Watershed Committees (VWCs) members of Zainapora area to Seer Hamdan, Anantnag, under the NABARD-supported Spring Shed development project initiative.
This visit aims to enhance the understanding of watershed management practices, sustainable livelihood models and natural resource conservation among VWC members with a focus on adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
The visiting team from various Village Watershed Committees, will tour Seer Hamdan, a model Spring Shed area,in Anantnag to gain first-hand experience of successful interventions implemented there, including innovative approaches to water harvesting, soil conservation and agroforestry. These initiatives have not only improved the local ecosystem but also enhanced the community’s resilience to climate-related stressors.
The project has been made possible only through the support and supervision of Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in its success. The people of the area including members of Village Watershed Committees have expressed their gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner for his tireless efforts in making this project a reality.
Speaking on the occasion, SDM Bilal Ahmed emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building local capacities and promoting community-led sustainable development, particularly in the context of climate change and appreciated NABARD for its continued support in rural development.He encouraged participants to replicate best practices in their respective areas tailoring them to the specific needs and challenges of their local environments.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, Revenue, SDM office, NABARD representatives and members of various VWCs, all of whom are committed to working together to promote climate-resilient development in the region.
