Integrated watershed management

Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) is a comprehensive and scientific approach to the conservation, development, and management of land, water, and biological resources within a watershed area. It aims to optimise resource use for sustainable development while maintaining ecological balance and improving the livelihoods of local communities. In India, integrated watershed management has emerged as a cornerstone of rural development, soil conservation, and climate resilience programmes.

Concept and Definition

A watershed is a geographical area that drains rainfall and runoff into a common outlet such as a river, lake, or reservoir. The integrated management of this area involves understanding the interrelationships between soil, water, vegetation, and human activities.
Integrated Watershed Management refers to the coordinated use of natural resources within a watershed to achieve the following objectives:

• Soil and water conservation through appropriate land use and treatment measures.
• Restoration of degraded lands and prevention of further deterioration.
• Sustainable agriculture and livelihood improvement through participatory approaches.
• Maintenance of ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.

The term ‘integrated’ signifies the involvement of multiple sectors—agriculture, forestry, water resources, rural development, and community institutions—working together for sustainable outcomes.

Objectives of Integrated Watershed Management

1. Conservation of natural resources, including soil, water, and vegetation.
2. Enhancement of agricultural productivity through better moisture management and land treatment.
3. Rehabilitation of degraded and wastelands by promoting vegetative and structural measures.
4. Groundwater recharge and maintenance of hydrological balance.
5. Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation in reservoirs and rivers.
6. Promotion of livelihood diversification through horticulture, agro-forestry, animal husbandry, and other income-generating activities.
7. Community participation in planning, implementation, and management of watershed activities.
8. Strengthening of local institutions and capacity-building for sustainable resource management.

Evolution of Watershed Management in India

India’s focus on watershed management dates back to the 1950s when soil and water conservation programmes were introduced to combat land degradation and drought. However, the integrated approach gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with the recognition that water, soil, and vegetation must be managed collectively rather than in isolation.
Key milestones include:

• 1950s–70s: Early watershed projects focused primarily on soil conservation and drought mitigation, such as the Soil Conservation Projects in River Valley Catchments initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture.
• 1980s: The National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) was launched in 1986 to promote holistic watershed management in rainfed regions.
• 1990s: The Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) under the Ministry of Rural Development adopted a participatory approach, involving local communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• 2008: The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) was launched by merging three major programmes — Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP), and IWDP — for unified implementation.
• 2015: The IWMP was restructured into the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development Component (PMKSY-WDC) to strengthen water conservation and irrigation efficiency.

Components of Integrated Watershed Management

1. Natural Resource Management (NRM):
   • Soil and water conservation through contour bunding, terracing, check dams, and percolation tanks.
   • Afforestation and pasture development to stabilise slopes and prevent erosion.
   • Groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting.
2. Production System Enhancement:
   • Improved crop management and adoption of climate-resilient farming techniques.
   • Promotion of mixed cropping, agro-forestry, and horticulture.
   • Support for livestock development, dairy farming, and fisheries.
3. Livelihood and Micro-Enterprise Development:
   • Creation of income-generating activities such as handicrafts, bee-keeping, and value addition of agricultural produce.
   • Skill development and capacity-building for rural youth and women’s groups.
4. Institutional and Capacity Building:
   • Formation of Watershed Committees, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and User Groups (UGs) for participatory decision-making.
   • Strengthening of local governance institutions for sustainable management after project completion.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Regular performance monitoring using remote sensing, GIS, and field surveys.
   • Evaluation based on physical, financial, and socio-economic indicators.

Guiding Principles

Integrated Watershed Management operates on the following key principles:

• Participatory Approach: Involvement of local communities at every stage—planning, implementation, and maintenance.
• Convergence of Programmes: Coordination among various governmental schemes such as MGNREGA, NRLM, and PMKSY for resource optimisation.
• Equity and Inclusiveness: Ensuring benefits reach marginal farmers, women, and landless labourers.
• Sustainability: Adoption of eco-friendly practices and long-term maintenance of assets.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening local knowledge, technical skills, and institutional frameworks.

Institutional Framework in India

The implementation of integrated watershed projects in India involves multiple agencies:

• Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development – Nodal agency for the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY.
• State-Level Nodal Agencies (SLNAs): Oversee state-level planning and fund allocation.
• District Watershed Development Units (DWDU): Coordinate district-level execution.
• Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs): Usually local departments, NGOs, or Panchayats responsible for ground-level implementation.
• Watershed Committees: Community-level bodies managing day-to-day activities.

Success Stories and Impact

Integrated watershed projects have brought remarkable ecological and socio-economic benefits across India:

• Increased Water Availability: Revival of wells and ponds due to improved groundwater recharge.
• Enhanced Crop Yields: Better moisture conservation leading to higher agricultural productivity.
• Reduction in Soil Erosion: Decreased runoff and sediment loss.
• Improved Livelihoods: Diversification into horticulture, animal husbandry, and allied sectors.
• Community Empowerment: Greater participation of local institutions and women in resource management.
• Environmental Restoration: Greening of degraded lands and improved biodiversity.

Successful examples include:

• Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra): Community-led watershed development under the leadership of Anna Hazare, transforming a drought-prone village into a model of self-sufficiency.
• Hiware Bazar (Maharashtra): Comprehensive water management leading to increased agricultural income and reversal of migration.
• Sukhomajri (Haryana): Early model of participatory watershed management linking soil conservation with community benefits.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its achievements, integrated watershed management faces several challenges:

• Fragmented institutional coordination and overlapping responsibilities among departments.
• Limited post-project maintenance of assets due to funding constraints.
• Inadequate participation of local communities in decision-making.
• Technical and capacity gaps at the grassroots level.
• Climate variability affecting water availability and agricultural outcomes.

Addressing these issues requires long-term planning, enhanced community ownership, and integration of modern technologies like remote sensing, GIS mapping, and hydrological modelling.

Future Directions

The future of integrated watershed management in India lies in:

• Climate-smart watershed planning to build resilience against droughts and floods.
• Digital monitoring and data-driven decision-making using geospatial technologies.
• Linking watershed development with livelihood missions for sustainable rural growth.
• Greater decentralisation and empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions for local governance.
• Integration with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).