WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN INDIA

Transcription

1 WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN INDIA

2 Watershed development activity was taken up in the country prior to independence in the state of Maharashtra (then Bombay state) as a scarcity relief work during drought years in which contour binding programme for conservation of moisture and control of soil erosion was mostly undertaken, After independence, during the second five-year plan, soil conservation research, demonstration and training centers were established in different agroecological zones. Soil conservation activities on farmers fields were started in different states for which almost all the states formulated state Soil Conservation Acts based on the model act circulated by government of India, Ministry of Agriculture. In fact, soil conservation activities taken up earlier were on watershed basis, which have now been renamed as "watershed development programmes". Subsequently, a number of schemes and projects like soil conservation in agricultural lands, soil conservation in drought-prone areas, soil conservation in chronically drought-affected areas, soil conservation in flood prone areas, soil conservation under desert development programme, soil conservation in catchment areas of dams, that is, river valley projects, Damodar valley project, National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA), Million Wells Scheme (MWS) etc. were taken up in different states and 33

3 different regions of India. In fact, soil conservation activities being labour intensive, were also undertaken as calamity relief measures during floods, droughts, etc. as a measure of sustenance for the poor people of the affected areas. Watershed Approach A watershed is all the land and water area, which contributes runoff to a common point. In watershed approach, development is not confined just to agricultural lands alone but covers the area starting from the highest point of the area to the outlet of the natural stream. Watershed management programme is conducted to increase infiltration, to control damaging excess due to runoff and to mange and utilize runoff for useful purpose. It has been established that the deterioration of natural resources, particularly soil and water, in an area can be contained and resources properly developed only by adopting a watershed approach. Watershed Area A watershed is a geo-hydrological unit, which drains into common point. The watershed approach is a project based ridge to valley approach for in situ soil and water conservation, forestation etc. Unit of development will be a watershed area of about 500 hectares each in watershed development projects. However, the actual area of a project may vary keeping in view the geographical location, the size of village etc. The thematic maps generated from satellite data for different themes such as land use/land cover, hydro geo morphology, soils etc. may be used for selection of a watershed area. The 34

4 project will primarily aim at treatment of non-forest wastelands and identified drought prone and desert areas. However, if any watershed area consists of some forestlands, it should also be treated simultaneously under the project. Need and Importance of Watershed Development Programmes Dry land areas in the country account for about 70 per cent of the cropped area and contribute more than half of the country's food grains production. These areas share 60 to 80 per cent of the output of coarse cereals, major oilseeds and fiber crops. Even after realizing the entire irrigation potential in the country, about half of the area will still remain un-irrigated. The sheer weight of this in crop economy alone can suppress or enhance the growth performance at the country. Stagnation of production and productivity has been observed in all the major food crops of dry land agriculture. The Watershed Development Programme is the basic need for integrated development and management of the land and water resources which provide life support for rural communities. Thus the prospects for agriculture in the dry land areas are severely constrained by the specific feature of their natural resource endowments and the changed context. In a situation of low pressure on resources, viability was possible through traditional land cultivation practices. Watershed Development Programme ensures supply of water to every field, removes hunger and poverty from poor areas, provide green cover over denuded areas, bring in more rains and improve the environment. Watershed Development Programme is also described as a programme that 35

5 holds the key to solve problems of employment, economy, ecology, export and equity. The watershed development programme holds significance for individual village as well as national development. The attention has been focused on this programme in order to provide impetus to development in the country. Through the watershed development programme, we can achieve the following: The problem of drinking water can be solved, and to some extent the problem of water for irrigation will also be solved. Increase agricultural production and create employment within the village and make food available to them. Migration to urban areas can be checked and reduce the problem of growing cities. By conserving soil and water ecological balance can be restored. Heavy situations in dams have given rise to many problems related to electricity supply, urban water supply. Industries depend upon this water are also facing problems. Soil and water conservation can arrest the flow of silt into the dams. Evolution of Watershed Development Programmes in India Watershed development is a programme that evolved over a period of 50 years and now identifies the integrated interaction between various natural resources belonging to a watershed which is a natural phenomenon. This ensures least disturbances in the natural processes of protecting environment. 36

6 Having large tracts of rain shadow zones, the state suffers drought and has a long history of droughts. Early efforts were to provide drinking water and hence the drilling technology was adopted by Voluntary Organizations, identifying the need, a suitable pump was evolved within Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharastra (AFARM) and large numbers of installations of hand pumps were executed. Unbalanced exploitation of groundwater enforced the change in attitude towards impounding larger quantities of water. Thus the progress was from locating water well sites scientifically, drilling and installation of hand pumps, conjunctive use of water to Water Cycle itself. However, such progress always fell short since other natural resources harmoniously interaction with water. The Watershed development Programme evolved out of large number of experiments carried by Member Organizations to eliminate drought. Today the programme takes into account - the soil, the rocks, the water, and the geography, the biomass living within and above the earth. Thus as many as 6000 impounding structures were constructed during the period of learning along with bore wells, lift irrigation schemes etc. Today Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharastra (AFARM) proposes participatory watershed Development where people using their traditional knowledge, available material, imagination and creativity to plan their watershed and implement a programme approved by themselves. 37

7 Objectives of Watershed Development Programme The objectives of Watershed Development Programmes are: > Developing wastelands or degraded lands, drought-prone and desert areas on watershed basis, keeping in view the capability of land, siteconditions and local needs. > Promoting the overall economic development and improving the socioeconomic condition of the resource poor and disadvantaged sections inhabiting the programme areas. > Mitigating the adverse effects of extreme climatic conditions such as drought and desertification on crops, human and livestock population for their overall improvement. > Restoring ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural resources i.e. land, water, vegetative cover. > Sustained community action for the operation and maintenance of assets created and further development of the potential of the natural resources in the watershed. > Simple, easy and affordable technological solutions and institutional arrangements that make use of, and build upon, local technical knowledge and available materials. > Employment generation, poverty alleviation, community empowerment and development of human and other economic resources of the village. 38

8 > To minimize the adverse effects of drought on the production of crops, livestock and productivity of land, water and human resources for drought proofing of the affected areas. > To promote the overall economic development and improve the socioeconomic condition of the resource poor and disadvantaged sections inhabiting the programme areas. > To take up development works by watershed approach for land development, water resource development and afforestation or pasture development. Criteria for Selection of Watersheds The following criteria may broadly be used in selection of the watersheds: Watershed area may be about 500 hectares however, if on actual survey, a watershed is found to have slightly less or more area, the total area may be taken up for development as a project. Even small contiguous watersheds with an approximate total area of 500 hectares may be taken up for development. In case a watershed falls in two villages, it should be divided into two sub watershed areas confined to the designated villages. Care should be taken to treat both the sub watershed areas simultaneously. Watershed which has acute shortage of drinking water, large population of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes who depend on watershed that has a preponderance of nonforest wastelands or degraded lands must be selected. Projects not having preponderance of common lands may also be considered for sanction provided there is adequate justification. Watersheds 39

9 where actual wages are significantly lower than the minimum wages and watersheds contiguous to another watershed that has already been developed are to be considered, for selection. Those watersheds where People s participation is assured through raw materials, cash, and contribution of labour etc. for its development as well as for the operation and maintenance of the assets created must be selected. POLICY PROCESS OF WATERSHED PROGRAMMES Formal Role and Responsibilities of Main Institutions As mentioned above the recommendations of the Rao committee have been adopted for implementing watershed development programmes since These field implementation Guidelines are submersed in table 2.1 TABLE 2.1 Summary of Rural Development (MRP) Watershed Treatment Guidelines Item MoRD Guidelines Variations on Guidelines already in operation in Andhra Pradesh [.objectives Economic development through 2. approach to Watershed treatment 3.selection of watersheds 4. size of the watersheds S.time period 6.swlection of village RNR in drought prone areas Integrated treatment of both non arable and arable lands on watershed basis. On the basis of drought conditions in the area and a number of indicators which signify backwardness. Only MWSs of 500 ha each are selected. In case of more than one MwS in a block, these need not be contiguous. Four years Where peoples participation and voluntary contributions are forthcoming. The area should have acute shortage of drinking Villages selected based on certain parameters and weight ages Contiguity with existing watersheds is favored (and is one of the criteria used for watershed selection) Villages selected based on certain parameters and weight ages given to each parameter. 40

10 7.Role of Non- Governmental organizations (NGOs) 8.Institutional arrangement a), state level b).district level c). level watershed d). MWS level water, preponderance of SC/ST population and wastelands Can be one of the implementing agencies for a group of 10 or 12 MWS A Watershed Development Programme Implementation and Review Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. Usually either the District Rural Development Agency or Zilla Parishath is responsible for implementing programmes at District level Watershed Advisory Committee (DWAC) which offer guidance on issues of implementation, including Project Implementation Agency (PIA) selection. One of the following can be selected as the project implementing agency at the watershed level. 1.The voluntary agencies (NGOs) 2. Agricultural Universities 3. Agricultural Research Institutions 4. Training Institutions 5. Corporations 6. Co-operatices 7. Banks 8. Public and commercial organizations 9. Panchayat Raj Institutions 10. Government departments. A multidisciplinary watershed development team to assist the PIA. A micro-watershed association which shall be a registered body. This will be supported by a micro-watershed committee with representatives form Self-Help In AP a project Director (PD) Drought Prone area Programme (DPAP) has been sanctioned in DPAP districts and this person has responsibility for all watershed works, the PD- DPAP is the chairperson of the DWAC, which also has PIA representation A multidisciplinary team to cover 50 watersheds (roughly division level) comprised of three senior and three assistant line department functionaries (forestry, engineering, agriculture). Each project Implementation Agency (PIA) to field one multidisciplinary Watershed Development team (WDT) which covers up to 10 watersheds. Acc. No ICall.No 41

11 Groups (SHGs) User Groups(UGs) 9.Agency for planning and MWS plans 10. Approval of MWS plans 11. Flow of funds Government of India(GOI), 12.cost norms/ha *RNR cost/ha *e *NLBAs *NGO 13.Concept of cost and benefit sharing 14.Maintenance of assets during post project period 15.HRD 16.Gender 17.Equity Watershed Committee through the SHG and UG. The Gram Panchayat links critical PD-DRDA and PIA GOI, MRD to DRDA Rs % No provision Significant Cost sharing: compulsory, 5 Per cent in respect of CPR and 10 Per cent in respect of private lands. Benefit sharing: not well defined Concerned WDT to take care with the help of the micro-watershed committee. To support this activity, a micro-watershed development fund is proposed to be created and cost contributions will go to this fund. A provision of 5 Per cent of the total funds is made This question has been addressed but the strategy is not well defined. This question has been addressed but the strategy in not well defined. No provision Financial spending targets GOI to PD-DRDA to PD- DPAP to PIA/WC (watershed committee) Experimentation with involvement of women only SHGs representatives in WC beginning 18.NLBAS 19.M&E Source: Ministry of Rural Development, Govt of India, New Delhi. 42

12 Activities for Watershed Development A meeting of the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha shall be convened for preparation of the Action Plan/Watershed Treatment Plan, on the basis of the information generated from the benchmark survey of the watershed areas and detailed Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises. After general discussion, the Gram Panchayat will prepare a detailed Action plan/treatment Plan for integrated development of the watershed area under the guidance of the Watershed Development team and submit the same to the Project Implementation Agency (PIA). The Watershed Development Team should utilize various thematic maps relating to land and water resources development in the preparation and finalization of the Action plan/watershed Treatment Plan. This Action Plan shall necessarily mention the clear demarcation of the watershed with specific details of survey numbers, ownership details and a map depicting the location of proposed work/activities. The Project Implementation Agency (PIA), after careful scmtiny, shall submit the Action Plan for Watershed Development for approval of the Zilla Parishad or District Rural Development Agency. The approved plan shall be the basis for release of funds, monitoring, review, evaluation etc. by the Zilla Parishad/District Rural Development Agency, State Government and Central Government. The Action Plan/Watershed Treatment Plan should be prepared for all the arable and nonarable land including degraded forestlands, government and community lands and private lands. The items, inter-alia, which can be included in the Action plan/watershed Treatment Plan, are: 43

13 > Development of small water harvesting structures such as low-cost farm ponds, nalla bunds, check-dams, percolation tanks and other ground water recharge measures. > Renovation and augmentation of water sources, desolation of village tanks for drinking water/irrigation/fisheries development etc. > Afforestation including block plantations, agro-forestry and horticultural development, shelterbelt plantations, sand dune stabilization etc. > Pasture development either by itself or in conjunction with plantations. > Land development including in-situ soil and moisture conservation measures like contour and graded bunds fortified by plantation, bench terracing in hilly terrain, nursery rising for fodder, timber, fuel wood, horticulture and non-timber forest product species. > Drainage line treatment with a combination of vegetative and engineering structures. > Repair, restoration and up-gradation of existing common property assets and structures in the watershed to obtain optimum & sustained benefits from previous public investments. > Crop demonstrations for popularizing new crops/varieties or innovative management practices. > Promotion and propagation of non-conventional energy/ saving devices, energy/ conservation measures, and bio fuel plantations etc. 44

14 Project Approach for watershed development Initial sanction of watershed Development project is only indicative of location of Watershed development Project s physical target and financial outlay. The detailed action plan in the form of an integrated project has to be prepared by the Watershed Development Team in consultation with the Watershed Community. Community Organization is feasibility of appropriate biophysical measures are to be carefully worked out for long-term sustainable interventions for the entire area of the watershed. The action plan should specify among others, they are: > Pre-set deliverable output. > Elaborate road map with definite milestones. > Definite time frame for each activity. > Technological intervention. > Clear Exit protocol. After the detailed action plan is approved by the Zilla Parishad/District Rural Development Agency, it would be the responsibility of the Project Implementation Agency (PIA) to get the same implemented through the watershed committees with the active involvement of watershed development team members. Twin track Approach: In watershed development, the general practice is to project long term benefits of the programme in the development plans. Short-term benefits that immediately enthuse the local people to actively participate in the programme 45

15 and make it a movement are not generally highlighted. It is, therefore, suggested that besides the long term benefits of the programme, the watershed development plan should identify short term benefits with verifiable parameters that are likely to accrue in the watershed project. While approving the detailed action plan, the Zilla Parishad/District Rural Development Agency may ensure that twin track approach has been followed in the preparation of the development plan. WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT APPROACH UNDER DIFFERENT SCHEMES The watershed development works in India have been undertaken by a variety of schemes which ultimately achieve the common objectives of watershed development programme. They are as follows. Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) The Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) was launched by the Government in to tackle the special problems faced by those fragile areas which are constantly affected. The programme is being implemented on Watershed basis from The responsibility of planning, executing and maintaining the Watershed Projects is entrusted to local people's organization specially instituted for the purpose. In view of the large problem area to be treated and the present level of financial allocation, the programme has to be taken up on a continuing basis for several years. The Watershed Projects taken up for these purposes have a project period of 5 years. 46

16 Presently 947 blocks of 155 districts in 13 States are covered under the programme. The states covered are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh and West Bengal. Currently under Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), 6515 watershed projects have been targeted for development over 4 to 5 years, against which 6002 projects covering an approximate area of 30 lakh hectares are under various stages of implementation. The project outlay for these 6002 projects is Rs. 1191crore with an average project size of 500 hectares and average cost of Rs. 20 lakhs (Table 2.1) 7000 new watershed projects were allocated to all the programme states for execution from Out of these, 2278 projects were already sanctioned and a sum of Rs crores released for these projects. The expenditure on DPAP was being shared equally by the central and State Governments on 50:50 bases till This funding pattern had been revised to 75:25 w.e.f Objectives of DPAP > To minimize the adverse effects of drought on the production of crops, livestock, productivity of land, water and human resources. > To promote the overall economic development and improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor and disadvantage sections inhabiting the programme areas. > To take up development works by watershed approach for land development, water resource development and afforestation or pasture development. 47

17 TABLE 2.2 Status of Projects - State Wise and Year Wise Projects Sanctioned Under DPAP in India. Total j Years States S. No oo Os Os O' Os r- os Os Os so Os (100.00) 295 (100.00) 769 (100.00) (ins) : 9991 <N VS l> r 318 (9.78) Z OO V) (N (00 0) 0 (00 0) 0 (000) 0 (00001) (15.86) 407 (25.30) 54 (19.42) 0 (0.00) 65 (22.03) 130(16.91) Os 278 (100.00) 340 (100.00) 1019 (100.00) 1613 (100.00) 2355 (100.00) 2517 (100.00) OO V s > oo so "I fsl 125.(7-_77)... 0 (0.00) ^ CsT 5 s 0,1 352 (10.82) 28 (9.49) 214 (27.83) 300 (18.64) 80 (28.78) 137 (4-21) 70 (23.73) In 158 (9.82) 35 (12.59) (000) 0 10 (2-94) 2. (00 0) 0 at 7 w 0Os p sc (000) 292 (18.10) 926 (39.32) VS «*S M oo -H oo 162 (10.04) VS *-< <N 0 (0.00) 127 (12.46) 374 (00 0) (9.65) 132 (44.75) 116 (15.08) 344 (21.38) 92 (33.09) 308! (90.59) Andhra Pradesh Bihar Chattisgarah Gujarath Himachal Pradesh 3i c5 237 (23.26) *1.a 09 r>- (00 001) 0 8 (00001) 9LL S SO ' t O so ^ T1 ro rs 1064 (100.00) 1226 (100.00) 542 (100.00) OS t~- oo q OO 'T ^ vs vs 244 (10.36) i n (9.02) 212 (9.00) (23.19) 497 (21.10) 5^ CN v> " "si Vi 6 (0.72) OO (15.90) 75 (9.66) 477 (38.91) 134 (10.94) 86 (8.08) 89 (7.26) g "! w OO ) 124 (14.94) 91 (11.73) 114 (10.71) 149 (12.15) 165 (Mil. 549 (21.8!) 131 (15.78) 98 (12.63) 289 (17.92) i 117 (4,97) 1113 (44.22) Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Maharastra - <N V) so r- 00 OS o - g Orrissa 153 (19.72) Rajasthan CN ^ oo Os oo Vi s vs Tamilnadu ro O' r- vs ^ *"* fn o 8 o CN < <N T; w Os o m 55 ob 3 (000) 0 (000) 0 0 (0.00)! 127 (31.83) (100.00) V) 5 O ^ oo ^ Vi n 1229 (6.51) (8-51)... 2 rn Os ^ ci ao q dd w oog so (00 0) 0 i ao Vi so Os fm _ «M _ 175 (14.27) 192 (35.42) 264 (66.1.6) 4714 (24.96) Uttar Pradesh 3 Uttaranchal West Bengal V) so Total Source: Ministry o f Rural Development, G ovt o f India, New Delhi.

18 From Table 2.2 it is noticed that the state of Andhra Pradesh (3253) occupied first place in sanction of watersheds followed by Maharastra (2517), Madhya Pradesh (2355). Similarly the least number of watersheds sanctioned were recorded in Himachal Pradesh (278) followed by Bihar (295) Jammu and Kashmir (340) etc., In Andhra Pradesh the maximum number of watersheds were sanctioned in the year followed by and years. In case of Himachal Pradesh, more projects were sanctioned in followed by During the year no watershed was constructed in the state. In case Maharastra more watersheds were sanctioned (1113) in , followed by (549). The least number (45) of watersheds were sanctioned in the year In India, during the study period, totally watersheds were sanctioned. The maximum percentage (25.43 pre cent) of watersheds was sanctioned in and the least (6.51 per cent) percentage of watersheds sanction was noticed in the year It may be concluded that the sanction of watershed reached peak stage in two years i.e., and Where as in the remaining years the sanction of watersheds are low. Desert Development programs (DDP) Over the years, the increase in human and livestock population in drought-prone and desert areas has placed the natural resources of the regions under great stress. The major problems are continuous depletion of vegetative cover, increase in soil erosion and fall in groundwater table. All these factors 49

19 account for diminishing productivity of land and loss of natural resources. The problems would have been worse but for introduction of some highly focused specific area development programmes in such regions. As per the recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture, mentioned in the Interim Report (1974) and the Final Report (1976) the Desert Development Programme (DDP) was started in the year The programme was started both in the hot desert areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana, and the cold desert areas of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Since the coverage has been extended to few more districts in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Since inception till , an area of over 5.5 lakh hectares of area was treated under the core sectors of land development, water resource development and afforestation/pasture development. Presently 227 blocks of 36 districts in 7 states viz., Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Rajasthan were covered under the programme. Currently, under Desert Development Programme, as many as 2202 watershed projects, covering an approximate area of 11 lakhs hectares, have been targeted for development. The new watershed projects proposed to be allocated to all the states during were Out of these 520 projects were sanctioned for which a sum of Rs crores has been released for these projects. 390 special projects (with an outlay of Rs.97.5 crores) for 10 districts of Rajasthan for sand dune stabilizations, shelter belt plantations etc. were sanctioned and an amount of Rs crores was released. 50

20 Till , in cold and sandy desert areas, Desert Development Programme was 100 Per cent centrally sponsored where as in non-sandy areas, the expenditure was being shared by the Central and State Government in the ratio of 75:25. This funding pattern has been revised to 75:25 from uniformly in all areas of the country. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) During the Sixth Five-year Plan the department of Agriculture and cooperation launched a pilot project for propagation of water conservation and harvesting in rainfed areas (in 19 watersheds) located in 15 states. The main objectives were water harvesting and water conservation. Besides, the Ministry of Rural Development selected 23 watersheds in drought prone areas for soil and water conservation. In two World Bank aided projects were started in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh. These projects showed the potentials of vegetative conservation measures to support biomass production. Based on these experiences, the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) was launched during the Seventh Five-year plan in 99 selected districts of the country. It was intended to develop sustainable biomass production system and restore ecological balance in rainfed areas. However, the main emphasis was on increasing crop production on arable lands. The project did not provide funds for non-arable land, as it was expected to be met from other sources. But non-availability of funds in time acted as a constraint. Therefore, during the Eighth Five-year Plan, the scheme 51

21 was modified to provide a single window financing for both arable and nonarable lands. The modified scheme provides 100 Per cent finance (75 Per cent grant and 25 Per cent loan) to states for watershed development. National Watershed Development project for Rainfed Areas in being implemented in 2479 watersheds covering 350 districts spread over 25 states and 2 Union Territories. The community development blocks having less than 30 Per cent of the available land under assured irrigation qualify for inclusion in the project. The area of a watershed is 500 to 1000 hectares. The project is being implemented with grater emphasis on people s participation at both planning and implementation stages. The main objectives of modified National Watershed Development project for Rainfed Areas are to conserve, upgrade and utilize land, water, plant, animal and human resources in a harmonious and integrated manner, to generate massive employment during the project period and regular employment after completion of the project, to improve production, environment and restoration of ecological balance through scientific management of land and rain water, using in-situ moisture conservation, network of low cost, water harvesting structures, natural vegetative conservation measures for run-off management and for recharge of ground water capability and to develop a sustainable farming as well as livelihood systems based on individual as well as common property resources. The Eighth Five-Year plan fixed a target of only 28 lakh hectares of area to be covered under National Watershed Development project for Rainfed Areas. But the actual area covered was as high as lakh hectares. This is 52

22 because the per hectare requirement of funds under the approved projects is much less than the per hectare cost ceilings fixed. The Ninth plan further intensified the programme. Training of Implementing Agencies (TIA) at various levels is an important component of National Watershed Development project for Rainfed Areas. Upto April 1995, about 3095 field functionaries, 8341 Mitra Kisan/Gopals, 2714 Mahila Mitra Kisans and 106 NGO s provided training. About 1426 composite nurseries, 1343 Kisan/Mahila Mandai nurseries and 199 governments owned nurseries were established to provide seeds, seedlings, flora, forestry, horticulture, grass and legume species at the farmer s doorsteps in watershed areas. But the progress has been slow in many states due to nonavailability of lands for the purpose. Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP) Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP), a centrally sponsored programme, has been under implementation since , and was transferred to the erstwhile department of Wasteland Development (now Department of Land Resources) along with the National Wasteland Development Board in July, 1992, From 1st April 1995, the programme is being implemented through watershed approach under the common guidelines for Watershed Development. The development of wastelands and degraded lands under the programme is expected to promote the generation of employment in the rural areas besides enhancing the participation of people at 53

23 all stages leading to sustainable development of land and equitable sharing of the benefits. Integrated wastelands Development programme envisages the development of non-forest wastelands in the country. The basic approach in implementation of this programme has been modified from when the Guidelines for Watershed Development through watershed approach came into force. Since then, projects for development of wastelands on micro watershed basis are being sanctioned. From new Integrated Wastelands Development Programme projects are prioritized for sanction in consultation with the State Government. The projects have to be implemented over a period of five years at an overall cost of Rs per hectare for projects sanctioned upto and at an overall cost of Rs.6000 per hectare for projects sanctioned after Objectives of IWDP > Developing wastelands or degraded lands on watershed basis, keeping in view the capability of land, site conditions and local needs. > Promoting the overall economic development and improving the socioeconomic condition of the poor and disadvantaged sections inhabiting the programme areas. > Restoring ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural resources i.e. land, water, vegetative cover. 54

24 > Sustained community action for the operation and maintenance of assets created and further development of potential of the natural resources in the watershed. > Simple, easy and affordable technological solutions and institutional arrangements that make use of, and build upon, local technical knowledge and available materials. > Employment generation, poverty alleviation, community empowerment and development of human and other economic resources of the village. Watershed Development Projects under Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) As per old guidelines of Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS), 50 Per cent of the funds released under Drought prone Area programme and Desert Development Programme and upto 40 Per cent of the funds released under Employment Assurance programme were supposed to be spent on watershed development projects and other related activities. Many Stats following it and a certain portion of the funds was spent on watershed development projects. These states have, in the meanwhile, created a liability for completion of watershed development projects under Employment Assurance. The total area taken up under Employment Assurance prior to for completion of Watershed Development Projects comes to lakh hectares for which central share funds will be released by the Department of Land Resource. 55

25 Ongoing Watershed Development Projects under Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) Prior to 1999, the Guidelines of the Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) stipulated that 50 Per cent of the funds released under EAS in the areas under drought Prone Area Programme and Desert Development Programme and upto 40 Per cent of the funds in other areas were required to be spent on Watershed development projects and other related activities. However, as part of an exercise aimed at rationalizing the structure of various schemes, employment Assurance was retained mainly as a wage employment scheme and sanctioning of new watershed projects were discontinued with effect form The states have, in the meanwhile, created liabilities in respect of watershed development Projects already sanctioned. The total liability (including state share) for the completion of these watershed Development Projects covering an area of lakh hectares worked out to about Rs.1500 crores. Hariyali Scheme The Department of Land Resources has brought out a new initiative called Hariyali with a view to empowering PRI s both financially and administratively in implementation of Watershed Development Programmes in the country. Hon ble prime Minister launched this new initiative on Under this initiative all ongoing area development programmes namely integrated wastelands Development Programme (IWDP), Drought Prone Areas 56

26 Programme (DPAP) and Desert Development Programme (DDP) would be implemented through the Participatory Rural appraisals (PRIs). In the new arrangement, the Gram Panehayat shall implement the projects under the overall supervision and guidance of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). An intermediate panehayat may be the project Implementing Agency for all the projects sanctioned to a particular Block/Taluka/Mandal. In case, these Panchayats are not adequately empowered, then the Zilla Parishad can either act as project Implementing agency itself or may appoint a suitable Line Department like Agriculture, Forestry, Soil Conservation etc. or an Agency of the State Government/ University/ Institute as project Implementing Agency. Failing these options, the Zilla Parishad or District Rural Development Agency may consider appointing a reputed Non-Government Organization (NGO) in the district with adequate experience and expertise in the implementation of watershed projects or related area development works as the project Implementing Agency after thoroughly examining their credentials. The project Implementing Agency (PIA) will provide necessary technical guidance to the Gram Panehayat for preparation of development plans for the watershed through participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise, undertake community organization and training for the village communities, supervise watershed development activities, inspect and authenticate project accounts, encourage adoption of low cost technologies and build upon indigenous technical knowledge, monitor and review the overall project implementation and set up institutional arrangements for post project operation 57

27 and maintenance and further development of the assets created during the project period. New projects under the ongoing area development programmes shall be implemented in accordance with the Guidelines for Hariyali with effect from Projects sanctioned prior to this data shall continue to be implemented as per the Watershed Development Guidelines of Investment Promotional Scheme (IPS) This Scheme was launched in in order to stimulate involvement of corporate sectors and financial institutions etc. for the flow of funds for development of non-forest wastelands. Under this Scheme, central promotional grant/subsidy to the general category (individuals / groups) is limited to Rs. 25 lakhs or 25 Per cent of the project cost for on-farm development activities, whichever is less subject to the condition that the promoter s contribution in the project shall not be less than 25 Per cent of the project cost. The quantum of subsidy in the case of small farmers is 30 Per cent and in the case of marginal farmers and Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe farmers is 50 Per cent of the project cost of on-farm development activities. It is made available in the form of loan from financial institutions/banks. The projects promoted by Nationalized Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and Land Development Banks and cooperative Banks are eligible for promotional subsidy. The scheme, which has now been restructured, has a major thrust for development of degraded lands belonging to small and marginal farmers including Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. 58

28 Externally Aided Watershed Development Projects Several international agencies like the World Bank, European Economic Community (EEC), German Bank for Reconstruction and Development (GBRD), Danish International Development agency (DANIDA), Swiss Development Corporation (SDC) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) have been involved in implementing watershed development projects in India with the help of both government and non-government organizations. So far nearly 16.5 million hectares has been covered under various watershed based schemes. Of which one million hectares i.e., about 6 per cent of the total area has been covered through externally aided projects. World Bank aided project covers an area of 4 lakh hectares at a cost of Rs. 360 crore. The European Economic Community (EEC) aided projects cover 2.42 lakh hectares with a cost of Rs crore. The Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) aided projects intend to cover 1.13 lakh hectares with a cost of Rs crore. German Bank for Reconstruction and Development (GBRD) aided projects cover about 0.64 lakh hectares with a cost of Rs crore. The area coverage under Swiss Development Corporation (SDC) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) funded project is not available. But the Swiss Development Corporation (ODA) aided project costs about Rs.6.2 crore. Thus an amount of Rs. 647 crore has been invested for watershed development by external agencies. 59

29 Non-Government Organizations in Watershed Development The role of Non-Governmental Organizations in watershed development has been recognized by both government and external agencies. The guidelines of the Ministry of Rural Areas and employment clearly specify that nongovernment organizations/voluntary organizations should be the made project Implementing Agencies for watershed development, wherever possible. The guidelines of the ministry of agriculture provide a special role for voluntary organizations. The Ministry of Environment and Forests also recognizes the role of Non-Government organizations in regeneration and protection of forests and neighboring areas. Thus Non-Governmental Organizations are involved in implementing watershed development projects of various government departments and donor agencies. The Koraput comprehensive watershed Development project, assisted by Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), involves both government and Non-Governmental Organizations in implementation. But also there are cases where Non-Governmental Organizations have undertaken watershed development programme of micro as well as macro on their own. In fact there are some outstanding examples of land and water management on watershed basis by Non-Governmental Organizations namely Ralegaon Sidhi and Adgaon in Maharashtra. Similarly, the contributions of Mysore Rehabilitation and Development Agency (MYRADA), Action for Food production (AFPRO) and Agha Khan Rural support Programme (AKRSP) are quite significant. The Directory of Enviromnental Non-Governmental Organizations in India lists 48 Non- 60

30 Governmental Organizations in Karnataka, 48 in Madhya Pradesh 98 in Orissa and 93 in Tamil Nadu which are active. Watershed development activity was taken up in the country prior to independence in the state of Maharashtra (then Bombay State) as a scarcity relief work during drought years in which contour bunding programme for conservation of moisture and control of soil erosion was mostly undertaken. After independence, during the second five-year plan, soil conservation research, demonstration and training centers were established in different agroecological zones. Soil conservation activities on farmers fields were started in different states for which almost all the states formulated State Soil Conservation activities acts based on eh model act circulated by Government of India, Ministry of agriculture. In fact, soil conservation activities taken up earlier were on watershed basis which have now been renamed as Watershed development programme. The Watershed Development Programme is the basic need for integrated development and management of the land and water resources which provide life support for rural communities. The prospects for agriculture in the dry land areas are severely constrained by the specific feature of their natural resource endowments and the changed context. The watershed programmes are being implemented in 337 districts of India under Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) under 1994 guidelines. These districts were categorized by 61

31 Government of India by environmental, social and developmental indicators. High priority is accorded to low rainfall regions with concentration of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) and low literacy rates. The Zilla Parishad (ZP) and District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) (depending on the state) are responsible for administration and implementation of watershed development projects. They receive the funds directly from the Government of India. They select the Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and approve the watershed plans. They hold the ultimate power of administrative and financial control over Project Implementing Agents (PIAs), releasing the funds to project Implementing Agencies and laying down the guidelines for managing the accounts. They also establish the watershed development advisory committee at the district level. The committee consists of three to four departmental heads form different disciplines of the government in Zilla parishad (ZP) and District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), five to six members of voluntary agencies and one to two members form the research and training institutions at the district level. The committee advises on the selection of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and members of the Watershed Development Team (WDT) and various other aspects. In India, during the study period, totally watersheds were sanctioned. The maximum numbers of watersheds (95.48 per cent) were sanctioned in while the least number of watersheds (6.51 per cent) were sanctioned in

32 The role on Non-Governmental Organizations in watershed development has been recognized by both government and external agencies. The guidelines of the Ministry of Rural Areas and Employment clearly specify that non-government organizations/voluntary organizations should be made the project implementing Agencies for watershed development, wherever possible. 63

33 Reference: Ambedkar, V.W., (2001), Watershed Development in India (Linkages with Panchayati Raj Institutions ), Paper Presented at National Workshop on Watershed Area Development: Challenges and Solutions, Organized by, Land and Development and Water Resources Department, State Govt, of Uttar Pradesh, July, 2001, Luknow. D Souza, M. (1999), Watershed Development: creating space for women. In: Farrington, J., Turton, C. and James, AJ. (eds). Participatory watershed Development. Challenges for the Twenty - First Century:, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Department of Land Resource, Ministry of Rural Development, Govt, of India (2001), Guidelines for Watershed Development, P.3, New Delhi. Shukla, P.K., (2001), Agro-Forestry Approaches to Watershed Management in Sloping Terrain, Paper presented at the - National Workshop on Watershed area Development: Challenges and Solutions Organized by Land and Development and Water Resources Department, State Govt, of Uttar Pradesh, July 2001, Luknow. Watershed Development Approach under Different Scheme (2004), Ministry of Rural Development, Govt, of India, New Delhi. Watershed Guidelines (2001), Ministry of Rural Development, Govt, of India, New Delhi. Watershed Guidelines (2001), Ministry of Rural Development. Govt, of India, New Delhi. ~o0o 64