UPSC Prelims 2014 Q56: Environment & Ecology – Water & Wetland Conservation
What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development
Programme’?
1. Prevention of soil runoff
2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
4. Regeneration of natural vegetation
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Integrated Watershed Development Programme
A watershed is the area that drains into one stream.
The programme treats the whole area, from the ridge to the valley.
| Benefit | Comes from the programme? | How |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prevention of soil runoff | Yes | Contour bunds, check dams, trenches |
| 2. Linking the country's perennial rivers with seasonal rivers | No | That is the river interlinking project |
| 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table | Yes | Ponds, percolation tanks |
| 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation | Yes | Planting on degraded and waste land |
Programme facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Rural Development, Department of Land Resources |
| 2009 | DPAP, DDP and IWDP merged into the Integrated Watershed Management Programme |
| 2015 | Became the watershed part of PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana |
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Linking rivers is not part of watershed development.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false, and prevention of soil runoff is left out.
- (c) CORRECT. It prevents soil runoff, harvests rainwater and regenerates vegetation.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 on river linking is false.
Key point
Watershed development: soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, regeneration of vegetation. Not river interlinking.
Remember
Watershed = save soil, save water, grow cover.
Common mistakes
- Confusing watershed development with river interlinking.
- Forgetting the ridge-to-valley approach.
- Placing the programme under the Water Resources Ministry.
Exam tip
Watershed work is local and small: bunds, ponds and trees, not canals between rivers.
Sources
- Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development — Integrated Watershed Management Programme
- NCERT Class XII — India: People and Economy (Water Resources: watershed management)