NAYAGARH: (Report- Ramakrushna Rath): The Nayagarh Soil Conservation and Watershed Department recently organised a "Block-Level Watershed Festival" (Jala Bibhajika Mahotsav) to spread awareness about the vital importance of soil and water. The event, themed "Life is Impossible Without Soil and Water," took place in Saluni village within the Natugaon Panchayat. 
Nayagarh Watershed Festival: Saving Soil and Water for a Greener Future


Event Highlights and Key Guests

Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, the MLA of Nayagarh, attended as the chief guest. The program was organised under the guidance of Upendra Kumar Parida, the Project Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development.
Several local leaders also participated, including:
  • Subash Chandra Kahnar: Zilla Parishad Member
  • Sagarbala Barad: Natugaon Sarpanch
  • Amar Prasad Sathua: Champatipur Sarpanch
  • Basanti Panda & Tofani Dash: Samiti Members

Focus on Agriculture and Sustainability

During his speech, Dr. Sahoo highlighted how watershed projects play a critical role in increasing village crop production. He emphasized that every level of society must work together to improve the lives of farmers.
Dr. Jnan Ranjan Sahoo, a scientist from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, advised farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and switch to organic alternatives. Additionally, Chakradhar Jena, Secretary of the Sambarianala Micro-Watershed, shared success stories of how local development projects have made land more suitable for farming.

Key Activities at the Festival

The festival was not just about speeches; it included several community-focused actions:
  • Recognising Heroes: The department honored "Watershed Guides" and "Watershed Warriors" for their hard work in conservation.
  • Public Awareness: Organisers used street plays and LED screen presentations to educate the public on saving water.
  • Infrastructure Development: Guests inaugurated a new irrigation canal for farmers and laid the foundation stone for a water inlet and outlet system at a pond in Natugaon.
  • Environmental Action: A massive tree-planting drive was held to mark the occasion.
The event saw a huge turnout, with over 1,000 residents from the Nayagarh block attending. The program was managed by Birabhadra Raut, the Assistant Agricultural Engineer of the department.