Integrated watershed management, dryland tracts

Abstract

The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) is the result of the new and unified approach of the GOI for treatment and development of the new generation watersheds in a realistic and holistic manner. The Government of India through the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) has evolved the Common Guidelines, 2008 for implementation of the Watershed Development Projects. The major areas in which paradigm shift has been made under the programme are, inter-alia, institutional funding of the State Government through the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) at the State Level, constitution of District and Project Level Institutions for implementation of the projects for the Participatory Watershed projects with financial, social and economic empowerment to the watershed communities in close coordination with the local institutions. Another aspect is the equity and participatory resources management with due regards to the economically weaker section within the village community. The Central and State share for the IWMP projects is in the ratio of 90:10. The main aims of this programme are as follows:  To restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources such as soil, vegetative cover and water.  The outcomes are prevention of soil run-off, soil loss.  Regeneration of natural vegetation.  Rain water harvesting and recharging of the ground Water table.  Enabling multi-cropping and the introduction of diverse agro-based activities, which help to provide sustainable livelihoods to the people residing in the watershed area. The main objectives of this programme are as follows:  To dissipate soil and water erosion and surface run-off.  To harvest/recycle surface runoff and rainwater.  To enhance soil moisture regime/water holding capacity.  To promote sub-surface flow, base flow and ground water recharge.  To improve soil health and tilth.  To improve production and productivity.  To promote generation and gainful employment opportunities. The Salient feature of this project duration is from 4 years to 7 years depending upon nature of activities spread over distinct phase viz., preparatory phase, works phase and consolidation phase. Conservation, productivity and livelihoods: Conservation is to be given priority resulting in productivity enhancement and livelihoods. Resource development and usage is to be planned to promote farming and allied activities to create local livelihoods while ensuring resources conservation and regeneration. Size: The new approach envisages a broader vision of geo-hydrological units normally of average size of 1,000 to 5,000 hectares comprising of clusters of micro-watersheds.