Watershed Management

Society and Polity 2010 basinful caution A wish for Sustainable Development submit of Contents Watershed2 Integ governd Watershed forethought2 Categorization of Watersheds2 desire for Watershed everywheresight3 Characteristics of Watershed solicitude3 Successful case of Watershed commission in Maharashtra3 start outes/methods use for concourses interlocking4 ruling4 Gandhian Approach4 Creation of a super acid platform4 Selfless leadership5 Identification of the most imperativeness common problem5 Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi5 -Watershed Management A Hope for Sustainable Development Watershed A Watershed is defined as a vizorographic every(prenominal)y show geographical sports stadium in which the entire run low-off tends to converge, by means of the existing drainage system, to the common outlet of the ara for subsequent disposal. In other words, a lavatory is an independent drainage unit. Integrated Watershed Management It is the process of creating and imp lementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance pee systemshed functions that impress the plant, animal, and human communities within a peeingshed leaping Categorization of WatershedsWatersheds are categorized on the initiation of the following criteria * establish on Size ground on size, the body of watersheds after part be classified ad into micro, mini and large watersheds. The watersheds with area less than 500 ha are c entirelyed as micro watersheds. The watersheds with area more(prenominal) than 500 ha but less than 2000 ha are c all tolded as mini watersheds. The watersheds with area more than 2000 ha are called as large watersheds. * found on Drainage Based on drainage, watersheds thunder mug be classified into drains and streams. Drains refer to the diminutiveer water channels whereas streams refer to the larger water channels. Based on Shape Based on shape, watersheds can be classified into two types namely fan-shaped and fern-shaped. caramel shaped watersheds are those which are circular or about circular in shape. Fern shaped watersheds are those which are elongated in shape. * Based on Other Criteria Watersheds can in standardized manner be classified according to other factors viz. altitude (high watersheds and tied(p) watersheds), moisture content (arid watersheds and wet watersheds), type of reason (b privation-soil watersheds and red-soil watersheds), etc. Need for Watershed ManagementWatersheds are an asset and therefore they need to be managed mightily so that we are able to utilize them in the years to come. They act as a fountain of water for the the great unwashed liveliness in and round watershed areas. They swear out in maintaining the nutrients of the soil, thereby bread and butter the market-gardening sector to give a bear on concede. They also act as a wide-cut source of irrigation for the fields throughout the year. Since they support vegetation, they also help in reducing soil wearing a way as the roots of the vegetation hold together the top layer of the fertile soil.They also help in the development of the forests as they act as good source of water for the forest plant life and fauna. Objectives * Water has multiples uses and must be managed in an combine way. * Water should be managed at the lowest take away level. * Water allocation should take account of the interests of all who are affected. * Water should be recognised and tough as an economic good. Strategies * A long term, workable sustainable future for basin stake holders. * faithful access to water imaginations for water users. The application of principles of ask counseling for efficient utilisation. * Prevention of further environ mental degradation ( footling term) and the restoration of degraded preferences (long term). Characteristics of Watershed Management * Allowing an adequate supply of water that is sustainable over many years. * Maintains water feature at level that meets governme nt standards and other social water quality objectives. * Allows sustainable economic development over the short and long term. Successful case of Watershed management in Maharashtra Development fundamentally refers to human beings.It should be a human experience to meet peoples physical, mental and emotional aspirations and potentials, not just in economic terms but should also lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and fulfilment. Ralegan Siddhi, often termed as an seaport of greenery surrounded by dry and air hilly tracts is a unique example of fault from beggary to plenty and a living poseur of peoples participation in congenital resource management in a watershed. Ralegan Siddhi is a small settlement with an area of 982 ha in Parner county (taluka) of Ahmadnagar district, Maharashtra, India.It is a drought-prone and resource poor area with annual rainfall ranging in the midst of 50-700 mm and temperature transmuteing between 28C and 44C. The colonisation is surrounded b y small hillocks on the northeast and southern sides. The land is undulating and slopes vary from 3-15%. The 1991 Census enumerated a population of 1,982 living in 310 households (presently estimated to be around 325). The sex-ratio being 902 females per 1,000 males (1,029 in 1971 1,013 in 1981). The continued decrease in the ratio is explained as the return of male folk to the village with receipts in the socio-economic conditions of the village.Backward classes (scheduled castes and scheduled tribes) constitute only 14. 23% of the total population. Marathas of Khatri caste out-number other castes and constitute nearly two-third of the families. Among others are the backward castes including Mhar, Chamar, Bharhadi, Pardi, Sutar, Barber, Fishermen, Matang etc. By 1975, prior to intervention by Mr. Anna Hazare, the village had become quite an notorious with all sorts of social evils, moral flock fall and with badly shattered economic conditions. In general, the village presented the profile of a poverty-stricken and debt-ridden society.Scarcity of water was key to woe which limited the prospects of agriculture. The water delay was below 20 m, most of the wells apply to dry up during summer and the drinking water had to be fetched from the neighbouring villages. The high rate of surface run off, due to high degree of slope and lack of vegetative cover had washed away the top fertile layer of the soils. Barely 20 ha of the village area was under irrigation. As a consequence the agricultural production was too bare(prenominal) to support and sustain the livelihoods of the people particularly the resource poor farmers.Not even 30% of the food food grain requirements could be met from rain-fed mono-cropping practised in the village. Approaches/methods used for peoples participation The hailes/methods used by him for the participation of farmers in natural resource management works are highlighted below. Persuasion First of all, Anna went through a careful envisioning of the deteriorating situation in village life and unconquerable to initiate through religion-moral undercurrent by persuading the people for reconstruction of Sant Yadava Baba tabernacle.But he failed to impress and influence the people at large, primarily because the people were too officious with their own business and the worldly affairs. Gandhian Approach The second step was to set up examples by self-practising rather than mere preaching as Mahatma Gandhi used to do. Initially it went on unnoticed but in due course it gathered momentum. Particularly, he tried to organize the youths of the village under Tarun Mandal (youth organization). Besides, participation from all the sections of society was ensured and encouraged.Creation of a common platform retentiveness all the differences and disparities aside, a common platform and shock ground was created in the form of Sant Yadav Babas temple. People started sit in groups during evenings and discussing about the a ffairs of the village and common concern. Thus, the process of friendship, cooperation and communication started. Selfless leadership Anna himself invested all the money he had (Rs. 20,000) for purchasing building materials for the temple before asking others to contribute. Identification of the most pressure sensation common problemThe main reason of disintegration, division and distress of the village society was the lack of a proceed livelihood support system. The economy of the village was rural and shortage of water for irrigation was the major constraint to its development. Thus, sensible availability of water was collectively identified as the top priority in a confrontation of villagers. Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi Successful abolition of social evils like alcoholism, dowry, corruption and the caste system. These changes paved the way for confirmative steps to development.Regeneration of watershed resources through peoples participation, a living example of watershe d development and management. Development of agriculture and allied sectors by better farming practices and cropping patterns, sassy use of water by introducing drip irrigation system, yield enhancement etc. as a consequent the village where nearly three-fourth population was below poverty line, has become self sufficient and is surplus in food grains, today. Conclusion * ameliorate agricultural productivity. * Improving vegetative covers. * Increasing fodder & food availability. bring down soil erosion & nutrient loss. * Improve water availability of surface & groundwater. * Enhancing quality of life among local anaesthetic communities.The case study shows the success of Gandhian approach to peoples participation in watershed management. Since 1975, this has resulted into participation of all the 325 village families, renovation of a temple, stopping adulterous liquor distillation, water harvesting in 4 small watersheds, construction of many check dams, grove of five hundred thousand forest trees, controlled grazing, facts of life of ground water level rom 20 m depth to 6. 5 m, sale of onions value Rs. 80 million in 1995 alone (exchange rate in June 1995 1 US$ = Rs. 31. 3), solar alley lights, village toilets, biogas, organic farming, introduction of livestock, a extensive high school, institutionalization of decision making at village assembly level, local voluntary organizational competency building, acceptance and application of voluntary code of conduct, defining of different action committees, etc. References