Previous Year Question

Statements 1, 3 and 4 represent genuine benefits of watershed development. Linking perennial rivers with seasonal rivers is not an objective of the watershed-development programme.

What is a watershed?

• A watershed is a geographical area in which all rainfall and runoff drain towards a common outlet such as a river, stream, pond or reservoir.

• Its boundary is defined by surrounding high ground or a drainage divide.

• Watershed development involves integrated management of land, water, vegetation and human activities.

• Its principal purpose is to retain rainwater within the local area, improve soil moisture and restore land productivity.

Statement 1: Correct

Watershed development prevents soil runoff and erosion.

The following interventions are commonly undertaken:

• Contour bunding along lines of equal elevation.

• Construction of contour trenches and terraces.

• Check dams and gully plugs across small streams.

• Farm ponds and percolation tanks.

• Plantation of grasses, shrubs and trees on slopes.

• Development of vegetative barriers on agricultural land.

These measures:

• Reduce the velocity of surface runoff.

• Protect fertile topsoil from being washed away.

• Control gully and ravine erosion.

• Reduce sediment deposition in rivers and reservoirs.

• Provide more time for water to infiltrate into the soil.

Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: Incorrect

Linking perennial rivers with seasonal rivers is not part of watershed development.

• River-linking projects are large-scale inter-basin water-transfer schemes.

• They may involve large dams, barrages, canals and pumping infrastructure.

• Watershed development focuses on local management of rainfall, soil and vegetation within a small or micro-catchment.

• River interlinking and watershed development are therefore distinct concepts.

Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement 3: Correct

Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge are major benefits of watershed development.

• Check dams, percolation tanks, farm ponds and contour trenches retain rainwater.

• Stored water gradually infiltrates into the ground.

• This recharges shallow aquifers.

• Water levels in wells and tube wells may improve.

• Soil moisture remains available for a longer period.

• Opportunities for rabi crops and multiple cropping increase.

• Drinking water and water for livestock become more reliable during dry periods.

Therefore, Statement 3 is correct.

Statement 4: Correct

Watershed development assists the regeneration of natural vegetation.

• Afforestation and assisted natural regeneration increase vegetation cover on degraded slopes.

• Grazing regulation and community-pasture development support the recovery of grasses and shrubs.

• Plant roots bind the soil and reduce erosion.

• Vegetation intercepts the direct impact of raindrops.

• Availability of biodiversity, fodder, fuelwood and minor forest produce may improve.

• Increased vegetation cover improves the local microclimate and the biological quality of the land.

Therefore, Statement 4 is correct.

Other important benefits

• Higher productivity of rain-fed agriculture.

• Improved drought resilience and water security.

• Crop diversification and the possibility of second and third crops.

• Development of livestock, horticulture and agroforestry.

• Reduction in intense flood runoff and waterlogging.

• Rural employment and local livelihood opportunities.

• Long-term community-based management of natural resources.

Evolution of the programme

• Different drought-prone, desert-development and wasteland-development programmes were integrated under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme.

• It was subsequently incorporated into the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

• The contemporary approach extends beyond water conservation to land treatment, livelihoods, community institutions and climate-resilient agriculture.