Subject: Indian Geography

India's focus on micro-watershed development projects has emerged as a crucial strategy for water conservation, particularly significant given the recent decline in groundwater recharge from 449.08 BCM to 446.9 BCM in 2024.

Benefits of Micro-watershed Development Projects

1. Water Conservation and Groundwater Recharge

• Implementation of check dams and percolation tanks helps in reducing surface runoff and enhancing groundwater recharge.
• Creation of water harvesting structures like farm ponds and contour trenches aids in collecting and storing rainwater for dry periods.
• Soil and moisture conservation practices help maintain soil fertility and water retention capacity.

2. Agricultural Benefits

• Increased irrigation potential covering 2.80 lakh hectares through the allocated budget of ₹700 crore for 2024-25.
• Enhanced crop productivity through better water availability and soil moisture conservation.
• Promotion of drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation practices.

3. Socio-Economic Impact

• Demonstrated benefit-cost ratio of 2:1 in semi-arid regions of India.
• Creation of employment opportunities through watershed development activities.
• Reduction in migration from drought-prone areas due to improved agricultural productivity.

4. Environmental Benefits

• Prevention of soil erosion and land degradation through vegetative barriers and contour bunding.
• Restoration of natural drainage patterns and ecosystem services.
• Enhancement of biodiversity through improved vegetation cover.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Implementation Challenges

• Poor groundwater governance leading to depletion.
• Difficulty in separating water-use from land-use rights.
• Need for sustained community participation and maintenance.

2. Way Forward

• Adoption of participatory approach involving local communities.
• Integration with MGNREGA for sustainable watershed development.
• Implementation of modern technologies like GIS and remote sensing for better planning.

The success of micro-watershed development projects in India's drought-prone regions demonstrates their effectiveness in water conservation, as evidenced by the creation of 40,870 ha of irrigation potential through central assistance of ₹569.40 crore (2016-17 to 2023-24). This integrated approach aligns with National Water Mission objectives and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), making it crucial for sustainable water resource management.