Question.
What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development?
(NCERT class 12 geography, India People and Economy, Chapter -6 Water resources)
Answer.
In a broad sense, watershed management includes the conservation, reproduction, and judicious use of all resources, including natural resources (land, water, plants, animals) and human resources.
In a narrow sense, watershed management is basically a water management technique that refers to the efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater.
Watershed management includes the following functions:
- Retaining and storing surface water runoff through check dams, dams, ponds, etc.
- Recharge the groundwater in various ways like construction of seepage tanks, recharge wells, etc.
The success of watershed management largely depends on community participation.
Some of the important watershed management projects which have been undertaken in different parts of India are -
- "Hariyali" watershed management project sponsored by the Central Government.
- Neeru-Meeru (Water and You) Watershed Management Project in Andhra Pradesh.
- Watershed Management Project at Arvari Pani Sansad, Andhra Pradesh.
Yes, watershed management can play an important role in sustainable development-
- Watershed management provides water for irrigation, fisheries, and afforestation to the rural population, which includes economic development as well as the development of the environment and people there.
- Since watershed management often involves conservation, judicious use of water resources, and providing adequate availability, there is a balance between natural resources and society.
- Watershed management helps in the balanced development of all three components of sustainable development – economy, environment, and people.
Thus watershed management helps in sustainable development.
You may like also:
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon