GS Question

Micro-watershed development projects play a crucial role in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India in several ways:

1. Rainwater harvesting: These projects implement various measures to capture and store rainwater, such as constructing check dams, percolation tanks, and farm ponds. This helps in recharging groundwater levels and ensures availability of water during periods of scarcity.

2. Watershed management: These projects focus on managing the entire watershed area, including its catchment, streams, and adjacent landscapes. Measures like contour bunding, terracing, and afforestation are implemented to prevent soil erosion, enhance water infiltration, and retain moisture in the soil.

3. Soil and water conservation practices: Micro-watershed development projects promote sustainable agricultural practices like contour farming, mulching, and use of organic manure. These measures help conserve soil moisture and reduce runoff, thereby improving water availability for crops and vegetation.

4. Irrigation techniques: Introduction of efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems in micro-watershed projects reduces water wastage and increases water use efficiency. This is especially important in areas facing water scarcity and drought conditions.

5. Community participation: Micro-watershed development projects encourage active community involvement and capacity building. Local communities are trained in water management techniques, participatory planning, and agricultural practices that help in conserving water resources.

6. Awareness and education: These projects carry out awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of water conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and efficient water utilization. This helps in promoting behavior change and adoption of water-saving practices.

Overall, micro-watershed development projects bring together various holistic approaches and techniques that enable effective water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India. They not only enhance the availability of water but also contribute to sustaining agricultural productivity and improving the socio-economic conditions of the communities living in these areas.