Methodology of watershed development

Abstract

Watershed has been adopted as an approach for the implementation of area development programs namely DPAP, DDP, IWDP and HARIYALI. A watershed is a natural geo-hydrological area that drains out rain water to a common point. Based on available budget, local people support and intervention with technologies, the watershed area is developed. Such viable watershed unit aims at conservation, development and optimum use of natural resources for increasing productivity and upliftment of socio-economic status of rural community on sustained basis.
Jharkhand is endowed with natural resources such as surface water and ground water, land with immense bio-diversity, moderate climate, manpower, adequate availability of power, which are the basic essentials for the growth and development of agriculture based industries.
Technology transfer plays a crucial role in developing an efficient watershed management system in Jharkhand, where rural economy has immense significance for overall development of the state.
The paper is based on a reviw of watershed development program operational in villages of Jharkhand. This paper has identified lots of specific technical (water and soil) and behavioral issues for proper planning and implementation of watershed development program in Jharkhand.