World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Observed in India

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed on 17 June 2026 across 813 project areas under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in India. The programme is implemented by the Watershed Management Division of the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development.

WDC-PMKSY 2.0

WDC-PMKSY 2.0 is a watershed development programme for the period 2021-2026. It aims to cover 49.50 lakh hectares of degraded land with a financial outlay of Rs. 8,134 crore. The programme includes soil conservation, water conservation, and land restoration activities in watershed areas.

Activities Held on 17 June 2026

Nationwide observance on 17 June 2026 included Bhoomi Poojan for 1,444 new watershed development works and Lokarpan of 8,341 completed watershed assets. The campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam included the planting of 51,299 saplings. A public pledge was administered with the theme “For a Developed India, Let Us Build a Drought-Free India”.

Global Theme and Observance

The global theme for the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 2026 is “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” Kenya is hosting the global observance on 17 June 2026. The day is observed every year on 17 June under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

Important Facts for Exams

• The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 1994.
• The first observance of the day took place in 1995.
• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is one of the three Rio Conventions.
• Rangelands include grasslands, shrublands, savannahs, and tundra ecosystems.

Community Participation

Local communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, watershed committees, self-help groups, and government officials participated in the observance. Watershed development programmes in India are linked with rural land management, rainwater harvesting, and restoration of degraded ecosystems.