Participatory Watershed Management in South asia A Comparative Evaluation with Special References to India

Abstract

The paper discusses different approaches of watershed management programs implemented in South Asia, with special reference to India, based on existing literature and field experiences. Watershed degradation, particularly in hilly areas as well as water deficiency in draught prone areas due to lack of proper watershed development programmes, is critical Problem in India. A participatory approach has been adopted in watershed management during the last decade in many developing countries. Participatory Watershed management is meant for growing biomass, the pipeline for prosperity of the people for bridging the gap between poverty line and per capita income. In achieving this objective, the people’s part is awareness, participation and response. The state should revise the methods and methodologies as frequently as possible as long as they are appropriate and economical. Whatever may be the value of a plan, the impact of participatory watershed management depends on effectiveness of the technology in the background of needs, priorities, cultural practices and community participation.