AWARENESS CAMPS ORGANIZED DURING NATIONAL LAND  RESOURCES CONSERVATION WEEK

 14 to 20 NOV 2008

National Land Resources Week is celebrated every year on nationwide scale from 14^th to 20^th Nov. This week is celebrated to bring awareness among general public about conservation and management of natural resources and also to make people familiar with the various new/emerging techniques in conserving and managing these resources. Similarly this week is celebrated in various districts of Punjab by State Land Use Board under Department of Soil & Water Conservation every year. Prior to year 2006 this week was celebrated only in kandi areas of Punjab, but from Year 2006 onwards decision was taken that this week will be celebrated in various districts all over the state of Punjab. This year State Level function was organized at Village:Paharpur, Tehsil: Anandpur Sahib, District: Ropar on 20-11-2008 besides various district level functions/camps were organized by concerned Divisional Soil Conservation Officers from 14-20^th November. 3500nos of information booklets regarding aspects of Soil and Water, 2000 nos of Wall Calendars, 2000 nos of Plastic Scales, 4000 nos of Stickers depicting slogans were prepared and distributed all over Punjab state at various camps organized during the week to children/farmers. Exhibitions were also held during these camps. The material was procured by Director, State Land Use Board. For this year celebrations Slogan was “Khet Di Mitti Khet Wich Khet Da Pani Khet Wich” and the Theme was “Soil and Water Conservation For Climate Change Adaptation“ which was printed on all the awareness material.

Detail of Activities held during National Land Resources Week

The Following are some of the major activities held during the week by  Divisional Soil Conservation Officers all over the state in their respective districts

·          The Message regarding importance of celebrating the National Land Resources Week by Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, Punjab S. Sucha Singh Langah was published in leading newspapers. An appeal was made to farmers and general public to make efficient and judicious use of soil and water resources so that the future generations should not hold us responsible for misuse of these resources through the message. Awareness to conserve natural resources was also made through electronic media.

·           State Level Function was organized on 20.11.2008 at Village:Paharpur, Tehsil: Anandpur Sahib, District: Ropar  by Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, Mohali. Chief Guest at the function also visited various projects of the department. The function at the camp was presided over by Sh. Vikram Singh Jassi, Director State Land Use Board, Punjab. Large number of farmers besides officials from other departments also participated in the function.

·          Day Long camps were organized in different districts of the state by concerned Divisional Soil Conservation Officers

·          Information Booklets, Calendars, Plastic Scales, Stickers were distributed all over the state at various camps organized by Divisional Offices

·           In Districts during the celebrations various contests like drawing, painting, singing, dancing and slogan contest were held for the children and prizes were distributed to the children securing first , second and third place.

·           Exhibitions were also held at some of the camps organized during the week. Models, Slogans, Banners and Photographs depicting various works done by the Department of Soil and Water Conservation were displayed in these exhibitions for awareness.

·          Various methods regarding efficient and judicious use of soil and water resources were highlighted in the camps among general public.

·           Besides Officers from Soil Conservation Department, Experts in the field, NGO’s, Officers from other line departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, PAU Ludhiana, Fisheries and Krishi Vigyan Kendras were invited at various camps who shared their views among the people on various aspects of Soil & Water Conservation.

·          Demonstration of new techniques/methods like Drip Irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation, Lift Irrigation Systems, Bed Planting, Application of Sewage water for irrigation and Laser Levelling were given to the farmers in the camps. Farmers were also sensitized about the benefits of timely sowing and harvesting of crops and its effects on soil and water resources.

·           Information regarding various schemes/programmes being implemented by Soil and Water Conservation Department were given to the farmers so that they can avail maximum benefits from the programmes of the department.

·          Special Emphasis was given to various water conserving techniques to be adopted during farming practices including methods to recharge  ground water so as to arrest the depleting underground water table of the state at the camps.

·           Snacks/ Lunch were served to the Farmers, Officials and Children participating in the camps.

·           Coverage of Exhibitions and Technical Sessions held during the camps were done by all leading newspapers and electronic media.

DETAILS OF AWARENESS CAMPS ORGANIZED