Which is the main resources of water?
Model Answer Introduction Watershed management refers to the strategic management of land and water resources within a watershed to protect and enhance their quality and sustainability. Integrated resource management (IRM) takes a holistic approach by considering the interdependencies between variouRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Watershed management refers to the strategic management of land and water resources within a watershed to protect and enhance their quality and sustainability. Integrated resource management (IRM) takes a holistic approach by considering the interdependencies between various natural resources. Watershed management plays a crucial role in supporting integrated resource management by balancing and optimizing the use of land, water, and other resources in a coordinated way.
Role of Watershed Management in Integrated Resource Management:
- Efficient Utilization of Resources:
Watershed management ensures that all resources within the watershed are used effectively. By understanding the interconnections between water, soil, vegetation, and wildlife, watershed management enables decisions that promote the sustainable use of resources.
Example: Integrated practices like water-efficient irrigation and crop diversification increase agricultural productivity and optimize water usage in areas with limited water resources. - Balancing Ecosystem Needs:
Watershed management takes into account the entire ecosystem, recognizing that activities in one area of the watershed can affect other areas. This approach helps to balance the needs of different stakeholders, such as farmers, industries, and communities, while protecting the ecosystem.
Example: Riparian zone protection helps reduce soil erosion, stabilize riverbanks, and improve water quality, benefiting both natural ecosystems and human populations. - Involving Stakeholders:
An essential aspect of watershed management is the involvement of all affected parties. By collaborating, stakeholders can jointly make decisions that benefit the entire watershed, ensuring that resource use is equitable and sustainable.
Example: Community-based programs like Arvary Pani Sansad in Rajasthan encourage local participation in water management, fostering better cooperation and resource sharing. - Identifying and Regulating Hazardous Activities:
Watershed management identifies ecologically harmful activities and works to mitigate their impacts. This includes regulating agricultural practices that contribute to water pollution or soil degradation.
Example: The IWMP in India promotes soil conservation measures such as terracing and contour ploughing to prevent soil erosion, improving both land productivity and water quality.
Conclusion
Watershed management ensures the integrated management of natural resources by considering their interconnectedness. It promotes sustainability, balances competing needs, and helps achieve inclusive growth. Successful programs like the Neeru-Meeru initiative in Andhra Pradesh highlight the potential of watershed management to drive positive outcomes in resource conservation and rural development.
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The main or major water resources are: 1. Surface Water: a. Rivers and Streams:They flow precipitation and melting ice water to the oceans. b.Lakes:Both natural and artificial lakes facilitate storage of water for later supplies to human beings, agriculture, and industries for various uses. c. ReserRead more
The main or major water resources are:
See less1. Surface Water:
a. Rivers and Streams:They flow precipitation and melting ice water to the oceans.
b.Lakes:Both natural and artificial lakes facilitate storage of water for later supplies to human beings, agriculture, and industries for various uses.
c. Reservoirs:They are artificial in nature, formed by constructing dams across rivers, which are mainly used for storing water, flood control, and hydroelectric power supplies.
2. Groundwater:
a. Aquifers:Porous rock or sediment that stores the water under the Earth’s surface.
b. Wells and Springs:Gain access to groundwater for drinking, irrigation, and industry, especially in arid regions.
3.Atmospheric Water:
a. Water Vapor, Clouds, and Precipitation: Source of all precipitation that recharges surface and groundwater supplies.
b. Hydrological Cycle: Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation distribute fresh water throughout the globe.
These sources are interconnected through the hydrological cycle. Keeping the management of these resources make them available for future generation.