Discuss the salient features of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme.

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (2009-10) merged DPAP, DDP and IWDP into one scheme that treats watersheds as hydrological units on a ridge-to-valley basis, with village watershed committees and livelihood components. It improves groundwater recharge, soil fertility and productivity, though benefits often skew towards landed farmers.

**Introduction**

The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), launched in 2009-10, integrates fragmented schemes to restore ecological balance and improve water availability through participatory watershed management, vital for climate resilience and rural livelihoods.

**Institutional Framework and Participatory Design**

1. **Unified Scheme Integration**: IWMP merges DPAP, DDP, and IWDP under 2011 guidelines, enabling coordinated planning across hydrological units rather than administrative boundaries.  
2. **Community Involvement**: Formation of village watershed committees and capacity building, including women’s participation, ensures equitable and sustainable management; ==Telangana== demonstrates effective panchayati raj involvement.  
3. **Multi-Agency Collaboration**: Government, NGOs, and technical agencies like WAPCOS Ltd implement IWMP, with ISRO’s geo-tagging enhancing transparency.

**Implementation Challenges and Outcomes**

1. **Biophysical and Livelihood Integration**: IWMP combines soil-water conservation with livelihood activities, benefiting smallholders and landless households.  
2. **Equity and Demand-Side Gaps**: Benefits skew towards landed farmers; insufficient focus on water use regulation and biomass sustainability limits impact.  
3. **Political Constraints**: Long project cycles clash with electoral terms, leading to preference for quick fixes, e.g., Maharashtra’s Jalyukt Shivar.  
4. **Positive Impacts**: IWMP improves groundwater recharge, reduces erosion, and boosts productivity, complementing ==Telangana’s== Mission Kakatiya and Kaleshwaram.

**Strengthening Implementation**

1. **Community Empowerment**: Greater financial autonomy and inclusion of marginalised groups in watershed committees can enhance equity.  
2. **Integrated Management and Technology**: Combining demand-supply water management and expanding geo-tagging will improve sustainability and monitoring.  
3. **Policy Continuity**: Political commitment beyond electoral cycles and capacity building are essential for long-term success.

**Conclusion**

IWMP’s holistic, participatory approach fosters ecological restoration and rural development, aligning with SDG 6 and SDG 15, and supports India’s sustainable development, exemplified by ==Telangana’s== water initiatives.

సమీకృత వాటర్‌షెడ్ నిర్వహణ కార్యక్రమం (Integrated Watershed Management Programme) యొక్క ముఖ్య లక్షణాలను చర్చించండి.

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