Bhubaneswar:After the observance of the Pani Panchayat Pakhya, 2025 in 136 Divisions of the state on 22thDecember, 2024the Pakhya has been observed the second phase across 30 districts of the state on 2nd January, 2025. Due to the sad demise of the former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the district level function of Pani Panchayat Pakhya, scheduled to be observed on 29th December, 2024 was rescheduled and held on 2nd January, 2025.The State level celebration will be held on 5th January as scheduled.
The Pakhya gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the immense contribution being made by the Pani Panchayats and farmers in the water sector and to generate awareness amongst the stakeholders, across levels to be more aware about various facets of water governance.
The Pani Panchayat Raths, carrying Information Education Communication/ Social Behavioural Change Communication (IEC/SBCC) materials and audio visuals, have in the meanwhile, after covering the projects, divisions and prominent places of the district, returned to the district headquarters on2ndJanuary, 2025.
Banners, brochures, logo, slogan, tagline, anthem, oath etc. were sharedto make the Pakhya eventful and participatory.
Districts hold Pani Panchayat Samabesha in presence of Pani Panchayat members, farmers and other important stakeholders. Exhibitions also have been conducted in convergence with the District Level Mela on Farm Mechanisation being held by Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment.The winners from various activities such as debate, essay, painting, quiz and exhibition of Model competitionsalso awarded. One Pani Panchayat from each District also awarded for formulation and implementation of “Integrated Irrigation and Agriculture Plan (IIAP).
On this occasion Sj. JuelOram, Hon’ble Minister, Tribal Affairs of India at Sundergarh Districtgraced the district level function of the Pakhya.Besides, MPs, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj,Bargarh; MLAs, Angul, Bargarh, Chendipada, Deogarh, Pottangi, Koraput, Laxmipur, Malkangiri, Nuapada, Pipili, Satyabadi, Rayagada, Bissam Cuttack, Nabarangapur, Chikiti, Kendrapadaalso chaired/participated the district level function of the Pakhya.
Further, Collectors & Magistrates, Deogarh, Khurdha, Kendrapada were also a part of the Pakhya in respective districts.
