Shopian : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, Monday inaugurated the Spring Shed Development Programme for Climate Change Adaptation at Cluster Zainapora, a project funded by NABARD, aimed at rejuvenating and sustainably managing local springs and strengthening water security in the area.
The inauguration was held in the presence of Vikas Mittal, OIC NABARD J&K UT; Nasir Ahmad Lone, ADDC Shopian, Bilal Ahmad, SDM Zainapora; and Zubair Wasil, DDM NABARD Shopian, besides representatives of the Village Springshed Committee, facilitating NGO VOESEP and local residents.
The project has a total financial outlay of ₹87.38 lakh, comprising NABARD contribution of ₹81.33 lakh and community contribution of ₹6.05 lakh. The project will be executed by the Village Springshed Committee, Zainapora, with VOESEP serving as the facilitating NGO.
Under the three-year implementation programme, 12 springs will be treated, covering a total area of approximately 300 hectares in eleven villages across the Zainapora Block. The initiative is based on the core principles of climate adaptation-conservation of natural resources, groundwater recharge, ecological restoration, community participation and building resilience of vulnerable communities to climate variability.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated NABARD and the implementing agencies for taking up the important initiative in Zainapora. He stressed the need for community participation and scientific management of spring sources to ensure their sustainability and availability of water for future generations.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the project will have a direct impact on livelihood security in the cluster. With rejuvenation of springs and improved moisture regime, irrigation facilities will be augmented, ensuring assured water for agriculture even during lean periods. This will enable diversification of crops, promotion of high-value and climate-resilient crops and increase in cropping intensity, thereby enhancing farm incomes.
He further added that the project will ensure sustainable drinking water availability for local habitations, reduce drudgery of women, and create livelihood opportunities through watershed works, nursery raising and afforestation. The works will be converged with VB-G RAM G and other schemes of Agriculture, Horticulture and Rural Development departments for asset creation and income generation.
He emphasized on public ownership and Jan Bhagidari to take the project ahead, so that the created assets are protected and maintained by the community itself for long-term sustainability and climate adaptability of the agrarian economy of Zainapora.
He called upon the concerned stakeholders and local communities to ensure effective implementation of the project and protection of the treated areas so that the intended benefits reach the people in a sustainable manner.
The project, sanctioned on 05 August 2026, is expected to make a significant contribution towards spring conservation, water security, ecological restoration and climate change adaptation in the Zainapora area.
Among others, LDM, officers and officials of allied departments, besides a large number of farmers, were present on the occasion.
