Question 12 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Geography

Question

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:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1, 3, and 4 only

Strategy: Identify which statements directly reflect the core objectives of the Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP). Prevention of soil runoff, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and regeneration of natural vegetation all align with watershed management goals. The linking of perennial with seasonal rivers is a separate large-scale river linking project and is not a part of IWDP, so statement 2 must be excluded.

Key Info: The Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Government of India, aimed at restoring ecological balance in degraded and rainfed areas.

**Primary Objectives**
- Conservation of soil and water
- Prevention of soil erosion and runoff
- Enhancement of groundwater recharge through structures like check dams and percolation tanks
- Emphasis on rainwater harvesting and recharging local aquifers
- Promotion of sustainable land management

**Key Activities**
- Afforestation and pasture development
- Regeneration of natural vegetation to improve soil health
- Providing livelihood support to local communities

**Scope and Focus**
The IWDP operates at the micro-watershed level, implementing specific interventions for local catchment areas. It does not address large-scale river interlinking, which is managed under separate national projects.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2, 3, and 4 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, 3, and 4