Watershed Management

Watershed Management

It was suggested that, rather than allowing residential, commercial, or industrial
development on flood plains, these areas should be reserved for water storage, aquifer recharge, wildlife habitat, and agriculture. Sound farming and forestry practices can reduce runoff. Retaining crop residue on fields reduces flooding, and minimizing. Ploughing and forest cutting on steep slopes protects watersheds. Wetlands conservation preserves natural water storage capacity and aquifer recharge zones. A river fed by marshes and wet meadows tend to run consistently clear and steady rather than in violent floods.
A series of small dams on tributary streams can hold backwater before it becomes a
great flood. Ponds formed by these dams provide useful wildlife habitat and stock-watering facilities. They also catch soil where it could be returned to the fields. Small dams can be built with simple equipment and local labour; eliminating the need for massive construction projects and huge dams. Watershed-based frame for rain fed agriculture provides uncommon opportunities for achieving sustainable food and nutritional security. It is time that the watershed development agenda is considered a programme for-the masses.