Current Affairs

Sign in
भूगोलGS3
GS3

Watershed Development and Landscape Treatment for River Rejuvenation

Source:PIB ↗

हे का महत्त्वाचे आहे

The article addresses critical themes in India's water security, agricultural sustainability, and river rejuvenation by linking grassroots landscape treatment (watershed development) with macro-level ecological balance, making it directly relevant to GS Paper 3 (Conservation and Agriculture).

सारांश

The Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR), highlighted that treating landscapes through comprehensive watershed development can successfully deliver twin benefits: effective watershed management and sustainable river rejuvenation. The focus remains on strengthening groundwater recharge, soil conservation, and local water security, particularly in rainfed and water-stressed regions.

मुख्य मुद्दे

  • Treating the landscape through watershed development helps achieve the twin objectives of local water conservation and river rejuvenation.
  • The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) emphasizes holistic landscape management to improve soil moisture, check soil erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge.
  • Integration of watershed interventions supports sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience in rainfed regions.
  • River rejuvenation is intrinsically linked to treating catchments and upstream water sources through community-driven watershed initiatives.

महत्त्वाच्या संज्ञा

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana - Watershed Development Component (PMKSY-WDC)

A central government scheme aimed at restoring ecological balance by conserving soil, harvesting rainwater, and enhancing groundwater recharge in rainfed and degraded lands across India.

UPSC context

Important for GS Paper III (Agriculture, Water Resources Management, and Environment Conservation). Tests knowledge of sustainable irrigation and land management schemes.

Source
Department of Land Resources (DoLR)

A department under the Ministry of Rural Development responsible for land management, watershed development programs, and land records modernization in India.

UPSC context

Important for GS Paper II and III (Governance, Rural Development, and Water Resource Administration). Tests organizational mandate and administrative setups.

Source
Ministry of Rural Development

The Union Ministry responsible for policy formulation and implementation of various developmental, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure schemes in rural India.

UPSC context

Important for GS Paper II (Governance and Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections) and GS Paper III (Rural Development).

Source

पूर्वपरीक्षा सापळा

Department of Land Resources functioning under the Ministry of Jal Shakti for river rejuvenation.

Aspirants often assume the Ministry of Jal Shakti implements all watershed and river rejuvenation projects, whereas the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development administers PMKSY-WDC.

संबंधित स्थिर संकल्पना

Economy Agriculture / Government Schemes

What are the core components and implementing ministries of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

  • DoLR Mandate: Administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (DoLR) for rainfed areas, focusing on soil and moisture conservation.
  • Core Objectives: Aims to convergence of 'Har Khet ko Pani' and 'Per Drop More Crop' principles across Indian agriculture.
  • Ridge-to-Valley: Integrates participatory ridge-to-valley approach for holistic landscape treatment and local groundwater recharge.

आंतर-विषय नमुने

  • Watershed Management + Himalayan Springshed Ecology

    Springshed management initiatives in upland areas link rural land degradation frameworks directly with national Himalayan climate adaptation strategies.

  • Land Degradation Neutrality + Global UNFCCC/UNCCD Commitments

    The Bonn Challenge target of 26 million hectares connects land restoration mandates with international desertification and biodiversity COP commitments.

PMKSY-WDC 2.0 institutional mandates and springshed integration are prime targets for matching-type prelims questions.

संबंधित PYQ · 3

संबंधित PYQ · 3

  • 2019MainsGS3

    Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas.

  • 2014PrelimsGS1

    What are the benefits of implementing the Integrated Watershed Development Programme? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country's perennial rivers with seasonal rivers 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • 2020MainsGS3

    Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.