J&K Minister Javed Ahmad Dar flags off ‘Watershed Yatra’

In Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Agricultural Production and Rural Development, Javed Ahmad Dar, highlighted the challenges posed by rapid development and commercialization, stressing the need for environmental conservation and water management.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the “Watershed Yatra” at Govt. Degree College Hiranagar in Kathua district yesterday, the Minister addressed growing environmental concerns due to urbanization and industrial expansion. He emphasized that development should align with ecological balance and urged people to join the Yatra to help protect the



environment from further degradation. Mr Dar stressed the importance of preserving natural resources, particularly water bodies and forest cover, to mitigate climate change effects and ensure sustainable growth.

The Minister flagged off the Watershed Yatra Van, which will travel 2,400 km across J&K, reaching over 5 lakh residents through workshops, community activities, and awareness drives. The campaign, running until 1st of the next month, will conclude in Jammu, showcasing techniques in watershed conservation, soil health improvement, and rainwater harvesting.