Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Village-level planning aims at decentralized planning with the active participation of local communities to address their specific needs and priorities. Simultaneously, the watershed approach is a holistic, integrated area development strategy focusing on the conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources within a hydrological unit (watershed). Recognizing the interconnectedness of natural resources and socio-economic development, the watershed approach has become increasingly integral to effective village-level planning, particularly in rain-fed areas which constitute around 60% of India’s net sown area. This synergy ensures sustainable livelihoods and resilience to climate change.
Understanding the Watershed Approach and Village Level Planning
The watershed approach, as conceptualized by Hulsig (1960), emphasizes treating the watershed as the basic unit for planning. It involves integrated management of land, water, and vegetation to maximize productivity and minimize degradation. Key components include soil and water conservation measures, afforestation, and livelihood diversification.
Village-level planning, on the other hand, is a bottom-up approach where villagers identify their needs, prioritize them, and formulate plans for their fulfillment. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) provided a constitutional framework for decentralized planning at the grassroots level through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
The Relationship: Watershed as a Building Block
The watershed approach provides a strong ecological and resource-based foundation for village-level planning. Here’s how they are interlinked:
- Resource Base: Watershed development creates a sustainable resource base (water, soil, vegetation) essential for various livelihood activities planned at the village level.
- Participatory Planning: Both approaches emphasize community participation. Watershed committees, formed with local villagers, can be integrated into the village planning process.
- Convergence of Schemes: Watershed development programs like the Watershed Development Fund (WDF) can be converged with other village development schemes like MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) for synergistic outcomes.
- Integrated Development: Watershed projects address not only natural resource management but also livelihood enhancement, skill development, and social empowerment, aligning with the broader goals of village-level planning.
Illustrative Examples & Schemes
Hariyali Guidelines (2003) emphasized the convergence of watershed development with other line department programs. The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), launched in 2009, is a flagship scheme promoting watershed development across the country.
Example: In Rajasthan’s Alwar district, the Johad revival movement, led by Rajendra Singh, demonstrated the power of community-based watershed management in restoring water resources and improving agricultural productivity. This success was then integrated into broader village development plans.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the strong synergy, challenges remain:
- Lack of Capacity: PRIs often lack the technical expertise to effectively plan and implement watershed projects.
- Funding Constraints: Insufficient and delayed funding can hinder the progress of watershed development.
- Maintenance Issues: Post-project maintenance of watershed structures is often neglected, leading to their degradation.
- Top-Down Approach: Sometimes, watershed programs are implemented in a top-down manner, undermining community ownership.
The way forward involves strengthening the capacity of PRIs, ensuring adequate and timely funding, promoting community ownership through participatory planning, and focusing on long-term sustainability through effective maintenance mechanisms. Leveraging technology like remote sensing and GIS for watershed mapping and monitoring can also enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Conclusion
The watershed approach and village-level planning are mutually reinforcing strategies for sustainable rural development. By integrating ecological considerations with socio-economic needs, and by empowering local communities, these approaches can unlock the potential of rural India. A holistic and participatory approach, coupled with adequate resources and capacity building, is crucial for realizing the full benefits of this synergy and achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.