‘Watershed Mahotsav’ launched in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh; Vengalayapalem Tank Rejuvenation Project Inaugurated

12 November 2025, New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Rural Development today launched the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, marking a national celebration of community-led water rejuvenation, soil health enhancement, and sustainable rural transformation. The event, held in the presence of Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to empowering rural communities through water conservation and ecological restoration.

The Mahotsav served as a platform to highlight innovative watershed initiatives, recognise local participation, and promote sustainable water management as a people’s movement.

Several major initiatives were unveiled during the event, such as:

● Digital Bhumi Poojan of new watershed works by the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
● Lokarpan of completed watershed projects by the Hon’ble Minister of State (Rural Development)
● Launch of Mission Watershed Punarutthaan, focused on rejuvenation of degraded landscapes through participatory planning
● Felicitation of Watershed Janbhagidari Cup 2025 Winners, recognising exemplary community-led projects
● Launch of a social media competition to enhance awareness and visibility of watershed initiatives across India
These efforts reflect the Centre’s focus on strengthening the Watershed Development Programme (WDP) and creating a water-secure, climate-resilient rural economy through convergence of technology, governance, and people’s participation.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan commended the people of Andhra Pradesh for their active participation in watershed initiatives and expressed satisfaction over the successful completion of the Vengalayapalem project.

He announced that the Central Government has sanctioned ₹380 crore for road construction works in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the government’s continued investment in improving rural infrastructure and connectivity.

The Minister lauded Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar for his dynamic leadership and effective representation of the people of Guntur in Parliament. He also appreciated Chief Minister Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu for his visionary approach towards rural transformation and sustainable development.

“Service to farmers is a sacred duty,” said Mr. Chouhan, reaffirming the Centre’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of India’s rural communities.

The Union Minister also highlighted key national initiatives being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, including the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, which enables women in self-help groups (SHGs) to earn at least ₹2 lakh annually, fostering women’s economic empowerment; the special housing survey to ensure that no poor family in Andhra Pradesh lives in a kutcha house; and the joint Central–State vision to enable farmers to cultivate three crops a year through improved irrigation, reduced input costs, and better rural infrastructure.

Later, expressing condolences over the recent tragic incident in Delhi, Union Minister Mr. Chouhan extended his prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Vengalayapalem: A model for rural renewal
The Vengalayapalem Tank Rejuvenation Project, inaugurated by Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, stands as a model for sustainable and participatory water management. The project, implemented under the Government of India’s Watershed Development Programme, marks a significant milestone in restoring local water bodies and ensuring long-term livelihood resilience.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar described the initiative as more than an infrastructure effort a ‘Rural Renaissance’, symbolising the transformative vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, who has emphasised that “water security is national security”.

Dr. Chandrasekhar highlighted that the rejuvenation project reflects the joint commitment of the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Kalyan, to ensure equitable and sustainable rural development.

The Vengalayapalem Tank Rejuvenation Project represents a pioneering example of community-led rural development, demonstrating how infrastructure growth and ecological balance can coexist harmoniously.

The initiative integrates environmental restoration, local economic activity, and citizen participation — serving as a replicable model for villages across India.

By combining traditional wisdom, modern technology, and participatory governance, the project embodies the vision of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s ‘water-secure India’, where every region contributes to national water sustainability.

The project further strengthens India’s rural development framework by aligning with flagship government missions, including:

● Mission Amrit Sarovar, focused on rejuvenating traditional water bodies
● Jal Shakti Abhiyan, aimed at enhancing groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting.
● Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC–PMKSY), promoting sustainable water and land management.
Community and ecological benefits
The rejuvenated Vengalayapalem tank has been developed as a multi-functional community asset, serving both environmental and social purposes.

Its key features include creation of a walking track, gazebo, community plaza, and children’s play area, enhancing recreation and well-being; and plantation of 350 coconut trees along the bund, expected to generate an annual income of ₹3 lakh, making the model economically self-sustaining.

These features demonstrate the government’s focus on combining ecological conservation with livelihood generation and community development.

The launch of the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ and the inauguration of the ‘Vengalayapalem Tank Rejuvenation Project’ mark an important step towards achieving water security, ecological sustainability, and rural prosperity.

The Ministry of Rural Development, in partnership with state governments and local communities, continues to drive transformative action that empowers citizens, strengthens agriculture, and ensures that the benefits of development reach every corner of rural India.

The event concluded with a renewed pledge to make water conservation a people’s movement, ensuring that every drop contributes to India’s journey toward a self-reliant and water-secure future.

Also Read: Maharashtra’s Sweet Lime Farmers Hit by 48°C Heat, Drought, and Unpaid Insurance Claims

📢 If You’re in Agriculture, Make Sure the Right People Hear Your Story.
From product launches to strategic announcements, Global Agriculture offers unmatched visibility across international agri-business markets. Connect with us at pr@global-agriculture.com to explore editorial and advertising opportunities that reach the right audience, worldwide.