Comparative Study of Common Guidelines for Watershed Development Programme in India

Of all the earth’s resources, none is more fundamental to life than the water. Naturally it forms one of the significant components of all class conflict not only in developed countries but is more preponderant in third world countries. India is not an exception to this situation. At present though the contribution of primary sector (agriculture) is low in GDP in Indian economy, still agriculture remains the main source to absorb massive portion of unskilled labour force. Less then 2 % agriculture is irrigated by canal or well irrigation mainly due to non-availability of adequate water resources. To bring more land under irrigation government has launched prestigious programme since last thirty years to conserve the soil and water in rainfed areas. Since then Indian agriculture got the boost but the programme has under gone various changes over the period of years as per the guidelines put forward by the government of India. To state some of the milestones in guidelines are 1995 guideline, 2001 guideline and Hariyali guideline of 2003 and Integrated Watershed Management Guidelines of 2008 are of vital significance in view of saving farming and serving farmers. The guidelines differ from each other in approaches for project planning, implementation, coverage etc. This paper throws the light by comparing various aspects of each guideline in view of its implications to maintain the sustainable development of Indian society.