The Union Department of Land Resources has asked the Tamil Nadu Watershed Development Agency (TAWDEVA) to continue to focus on rejuvenating traditional waterbodies and present the best practices for other States to emulate.

Addressing after inspecting the activities of District Watershed Development Agency (DWDA), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) and Self-Help Groups here on Friday, Ms. Vandana Kumari Jena, Union Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR), said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keen on rejuvenating the traditional waterbodies, the main irrigation sources for agricultural activities.

“Rejuvenation of traditional waterbodies will be accorded top priority this year too,” she said and exhorted the State agency to restore the waterbodies on a campaign mode.

Describing Tamil Nadu as one of the best performing States in the country, Ms. Jena wanted the TAWDEVA to retain its focus on IWMP and preserve the waterbodies. “Tamil Nadu will lead the country as you are already under the Agriculture department and the convergence will come naturally,” she said.

She wanted Tamil Nadu to help northeastern States to visit and learn from them. The Prime Minister’s vision is to take National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP) to make a difference in the lives of the farmers, she said...........The Hindu