The Hindu 17.08.2010
Need for integrated approach to watershed development stressed
Special Correspondent
| ‘Conservation should be linked to livelihood support system' |
Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy 
Sharing views:The Technical Expert, National Rainfed Area Authority, A.K. Sikka, inaugurating a training programme in Udhagamandalam on Monday.
Udhagamandalam: The need for a coordinated and integrated approach to watershed development and soil management was emphasised by the Technical Expert, National Rainfed Area Authority, Alok K. Sikka here on Monday.
Inaugurating a six-day capacity building programme on ‘Preparation of detailed project report for planning a watershed development programme as per the common guidelines formulated by the Government of India' organised by the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI), he said that conservation and livelihood issues should go hand-in-hand while implementing watershed development programmes.
Pointing out that till recently only piece-meal measures had been taken, he said that since the needs are growing conservation should be linked with the livelihood support system.
Adverting to the dwindling land and degradation of natural resources, he said that there was a huge gap between supply and demand. It can be bridged only through effective management, he said and added that the people should be involved.
Referring to the importance being given by the government to soil management and watershed development, Dr. Sikka aid that during the tenth plan the amount allotted for treatment of affected and vulnerable areas was Rs. 19,250 crore. The amount set aside for the eleventh plan was about Rs. 20,000 crore. It is expected to cover about 30 to 35 million hectares.
Stating that under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, assets in the form of water harvesting structures had been created, he said that it should be clubbed with watershed development projects.
Pointing out that the Centre is for converging all the programmes to achieve maximum results, he said that it has also set in motion the process of decentralization. A watershed development fund has also been created. He lauded Tamil Nadu for bringing into being a State Watershed Development Agency.
Stating that the Nilgiris is part of one of the most important biosphere reserves, he said that it was ideal for holistic and integrated watershed development efforts.
Referring to the landslides that occurred here recently, he said that one of the contributory factors was change in land use.
Focus should be on sustained development, channel management and protection of vegetative cover. Soil management in forest and non-forest lands should be done simultaneously.
The Nilgiris Collector, Archana Patnaik, who presided said, the Nilgiris needs watershed management more than any other district and added that proactive measures should be taken for preventing landslides.
The head, CSWCRTI, O.P.S. Khola, who welcomed the gathering, said that the objective of the programme was to upgrade skills of officers representing various districts.
Senior Scientist S. Manivannan proposed a vote of thanks.
