MUKESH SHARMA

Kalimpong, December 29:

4member team of Kalimpong Krishak Kalyan Sangathan (KKKS) under the leadership of its General Secretary, Vishnu Chettri, returned back Kalimpong after attending the 12 days workshop on Ground Water Management in the Himalayan Region held at Dehradun. Informing about the workshop said that the major issue faced by the farmers in Darjeeling hills is water scarcity. Due to this, the farmers here are not able to do agriculture even if they wish to.

The KKKS in year 2010 had initiated ‘Water for all’ project after which the Sangathan had prepared a DPR highlighting the water issues and other matters. It was them sent to the Finance Ministry in the Centre and has been processed by the same, informed Chettri. Also during the workshop, technical know how about development in conservation of natural water bodies was delivered.

The KKKS after attending the workshop conducted by People Science Institute (PSI) and Arghyam Foundation now focuses to work on a project on 15,000 acre land taking 1500 farmers. The Sangathan has also welcomed the decision of each Gram Panchayat having a technical expert under the drinking water development scheme of the MGNREGA.