Successful watershed development (WD) projects have demonstrated the capacity to regenerate entire communities, socially and economically. During the World Bank project executed by Sankalpa Trust, it was shown that watershed development is a crucial component of biomass growth strategies, which leads to ecofriendly technogies for the generation of electrical power for the masses in the rural areas. WD Projects are therefore high on the priority of ARTS for generating sustainable livelihoods.

A watershed (or catchment) is a geographic area that drains to a common point, which makes it an attractive planning unit for technical efforts to conserve soil and maximize the utilization of surface and subsurface water for crop production.

Excess surface runoff water is harvested in irrigation or percolation tanks while subsurface drainage recharges groundwater aquifers, so conservation measures in the upper watershed have a positive impact on productivity in the lower watershed. Reducing erosion in the upper reaches of the watershed also helps to reduce sedimentation of irrigation tanks in the lower reaches. The watershed approach enables planners to internalize such externalities and other linkages among agricultural and related activities by accounting for all types of land uses in all locations and seasons. This systems-based approach is what distinguishes watershed management from earlier plot-based approaches to soil and water management.

To improve the economic and social conditions of the poor and disadvantaged sections of the watershed community, appropriate sources of income-generating options will be identified through participatory method and feasibility based on the existing local resources available in the area.

Check Dams

The check dam is the primary approach to water conservation and erosion control. Depending on the demand, feasibility of other mechanical means - such as use of 'Gully Plugs' - for achieving these objectives will be made.

Drought and desertification renders afforestation difficult. Improved water harvesting techniques, including soil manipulation devices aimed at concentrating rainwater to better benefit planted seedlings, make plantation efforts in dry environments less uncertain.

Such greening activities will permit the growth of biomass energy plantations, which is a secondary goal. A detailed report is available under the special report 'Impact of Watershed Development on Biomass Energy strategies'