World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Prelims
Environment & Ecology, international conventions, Geography
Mains
GS Paper I – Geography, GS Paper III- Environment, Agriculture,
Disaster Management
Current relevance
The World Day to Combat Desertification and
Drought was celebrated under the Watershed Development Component
of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC–PMKSY 2.0) throughout
the country.
About world day to combat desertification and drought
1.
Background information
Since
1994, 17 June has been observed as the World Day to Combat Desertification and
Drought following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA).
2.
Theme
“Rangelands
- Recognize. Respect. Restore.”, emphasizes the conservation and
restoration of rangelands to enhance climate resilience, biodiversity, and
sustainable livelihoods
3.
Objective
To
raise awareness about land degradation, desertification, and drought, and to
promote sustainable land management practices.
Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
(WDC–PMKSY 2.0)
1.
Background information
1.
Originally introduced as the Integrated Watershed
Management Programme (IWMP) in 2009–10, the scheme became part of the Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015–16.
2.
WDC–PMKSY 2.0 was launched by the Government of India for
the period 2021–22 to 2025–26 and it is implemented by the Department of
Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development.
2.
Objective
1.
Aims to restore degraded and rainfed lands through
watershed management.
2.
Conserve soil and water resources to improve
agricultural productivity.
3.
Promote sustainable livelihoods for rural
communities and Improve climate resilience in drought-prone regions.
Source - PIB - https -//www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2273997®=3&lang=1