What is Watershed?
Watershed is a defined land area having specific sources of water.
These sources include rain water, storm water, river & lake water as well as underground water sources (wells, tube wells etc).
Each land area will have different components of watershed.
What is watershed development?
Positive measures undertaken to augment water supply sources in a defined area is watershed development.
It is possible to connect two or more areas for water resources through combining watersheds.
Why is watershed development required?
All lands are not same. Different areas have different type of topography. Some land are plains, some are in depression, some are hilly and some undulated.
There are three major sources of water supply. Rain, perennial rivers ( due to melting of snow/glacier ice ) and subsoil water table.
Theoretically the total quantity of water on earth is constant. Sea and ground water evaporation causes clouds and rains distribute the same in water form.
Different areas have differing water resources due to following ;
1. Rain fall water supply is unequal in different areas.
2. Geographically areas have different topography. Mountainous areas can not gather water as it is drained over slopes. In undulate land low lying areas get flooded during monsoons and become tank reservoirs. A river passing by is a boon for the area.
3. under ground water reservoirs have different capacities and flow from adjoining watershed. Under ground water table may be at the depth of 10 feet to 1800 feet.
Through watershed development we can achieve optimum water requirement for an area in eco friendly manner with overall development of the land, flora and fauna. It is also sustainable development.
Watershed development is not working against the nature but on the contrary it is working with nature for augmenting local resources in eco friendly manner for improved environment.