REPORT WRITING ON WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IN UTTARAKHAND

INTRODUCTION

Water motion on the earth is achieved through various steps of hydrological

cycle. Utilization of water for most of the users i.e. human, animal or plant
involves movement of water. In the state of Uttarakhand, about 86% of total
water demand is provided by natural resources (Kumar et al., 2019). Large
watersheds are generally formed by various small watersheds, or the small
watersheds are normally part of bigger watersheds. In mountainous regions
of Uttarakhand, watersheds can be characterized by any kind of
environmental characteristic feature like its atmosphere, geographical
location, hydrology, types of soils found, flora and fauna and involvement of
various anthropogenic activities and their effects. In the hilly areas, due to
bumpy bug elevation minerals from enduring of rocks, from the rot of
vegetation and from groundwater are found to be generally localized.
Moreover, water frequently removes a lofty way, with cascades and ravines
that has a well studied feature of the watershed (Wani et al., 2011; Shaxson,
2012).

Watershed is entire geographic unit of particular land from where rainwater

as run off is drained out from ridges along the slopes of land to single
particular point outlet or common drain point. It is an ideal planning unit for
conservation of major natural resources of soil, water and biodiversity
(saini el al.,2009). Deforestation, uncontrolled timber harvesting, changes in
farming systems, overgrazing, roads and road construction, pollution, and
alien plant invasions can all jeopardize watershed services and functions.
Natural disturbances like as wildfires, winds, and disease may also have an
impact on them. The deterioration of watershed functions has substantial
negative repercussions, potentially leading to erosion and soil productivity
loss; sedimentation of watercourses, reservoirs, and beaches, increased
runoff, and flash flooding reduced groundwater infiltration; decreased water
quality; and loss of aquatic habitat and biodiversity.

AN OVERVIEW OF UTTARAKHAND

The diverse mountain peaks of the Himalaya, which span eight countries on
the Asian continent, form a vast framework. It occupies only 18% of the
geological region in India. The Himalaya accounts for more than half of the
nation’s woodland distribution and around 40% of its endemic species.
Agriculture and agribusiness are minor land uses in the Indian Himalaya,
accounting for only approximately 10% of the net area cultivated.
Furthermore, such zones are distributed in patches throughout distinct forest
landscapes. Although modest, this region is naturally, socially, and
economically important. Out of the entire 5348300 hectares of Uttarakhand,
the majority of the area is under forests and other non agricultural land
(86.15%) and a minor percentage of total land (13.85%) are available for
agricultural use. The hill region is subject to continual soil erosion due to high
slopes, making it less fertile. Furthermore, hills cover a bigger geographical
region, while irrigation water is mostly available in plains and valleys. It has
been observed that traditional harvest domestic animals blended cultivation
continues to be the reason for jobs in adjacent networks and is the
foundation of the rural economy. This farming technique relies on woods for
grazing areas, feed, cutting trees for domesticated animal food, compost,
and other purposes. The central Himalayan region of India determines the
conditions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand, the 27 th
state, was founded on November 9, 2000 is India’s 27 th state. The recently
established hill state in the Indian Himalayan Region split apart from the hill
districts and the sub-Himalayan region of Uttar Pradesh.

SIGNIFICANCE OF WATERSHEDS MANAGEMENT

Watersheds perform the following important functions and services, among

others:

 The provision of freshwater (particularly upland watersheds)

 the regulation of water flow
 the maintenance of water quality
 the provision and protection of natural resources for local livelihoods
 protection against natural hazards (e.g. local floods and landslides)
 the provision of energy (e.g. hydropower)
 biodiversity conservation, and recreation.

Watersheds should be viewed as dynamic systems with complex

interactions and spatial linkages between humans and the
environment, manifesting as mosaics of various land-use systems.
Upstream-downstream links refer to the social, cultural, and
environmental relationships, flows, and conflicts that exist between a
watershed’s upper and lower regions. One of the most important
concepts of watershed management is to take these relationships into
account.
Other key principles include:
  Addressing the core causes and drivers of environmental degradation,
rather than treating symptoms.
 Planning is an iterative process that involves cycles of analysis, plan
design, implementation, and evaluation, allowing for.
 Continuous learning and adjustment.
 Working across sectors, with all stakeholder groups and administrative
levels, thereby merging bottom-up and top-down features.
 Integrating local and scientific knowledge.

Watershed management contribute to SDGs

Watershed management plays a crucial role in achieving Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 15.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation:- By minimizing soil erosion, regulating

sedimentation, and cutting down on pollution runoff, effective watershed
management contributes to the preservation of water quality. This helps
ensure that clean water is available, which is necessary for sustainable
development.

SDG 15: Life on Land:- Watershed management promotes sustainable land

use and biodiversity preservation. Diverse plant and animal species are
supported, habitats are preserved, and ecological balance is upheld by
safeguarding and restoring natural ecosystems within watersheds.
SDGs 6 and 15 are essentially aligned with the goals of good watershed
management, which guarantees the sustainable use of water resources while
fostering the health of terrestrial ecosystems.

TRADITIONAL WATERSHEDS MANAGEMENT IN UTTARAKHAND

The Chipko Movement was a movement to affirm political, social, and

ecological identity. Such efforts lent strength and vibrancy to the movement
for autonomous statehood. The essential value and relevance of water and
forests are deeply embedded in the stringent beliefs, social standards, and
sociocultural customs of various networks in Uttarakhand. One of the
district’s characteristics is its customary biocultural diversity, as evidenced
by the many methods used to deal with water by the executives. Individuals
began to develop their own water management systems and learning
technologies over time. Each year, Uttarakhand receives 66,320 million
kilolitres of precipitation. The entire area has a variety of geographical
characteristics, each with its own microclimate, which influences water
accessibility. (Chauhan, 2010; SoE study for Uttarakhand, 2023).

As a result, a range of traditional water harvesting systems arose, reflecting

the unique characteristics of each microregion, as illustrated in Table 1. The
government’s pressure to develop natural resources boosted demand in the
Himalayas. They influenced rapid changes in people’s occupations, cultures,
and behaviors. The various sorts of streams found in Uttarakhand’s hilly
region drew national organizers’ attention to the hydropower potential of
water bodies. The Tehri Dam was built on the Ganga River and is the world’s
fifth largest dam. In these government-supported improvement projects, the
local water rights were of the most minimal need. (Chauhan 2010; Acharya
2011).

Uttarakhand has a rich history of water collecting, and there are numerous
natural water resources in the region. Traditional water management
structures are comparable in the mountainous regions of the state.

The following are some water harvesting system present in

Uttarakhand.

1. Gul: In hilly regions, different water resources from nearly streams,

rivers, and through channel or Gul.

2. Naulas: To collect water from flowing springs.

 Figure 1 Ek Hathiya ka Naula. Source: www.euttaranchal.com

3. Dhara: Located in mountain crest.

Figure 2 Depleting Dhara

in Uttarakhand. Source:

https://cdn.downtoearth.org.in/library

4. Simar: Simar is also known as Gajar. Gajar is a marshy area of land in

an agricultural field formed by groundwater. It is suitable for paddy
agriculture. The cultivation of high-quality crops such as basmati rice,
medicinal plants, and herbs is a common practice in Gajar.
 Figure 3 Simar. Source: https://www.researchgate.net/

5. Chuptaula: Water holes for animals or grazers. They are not

permanent.

6. Khal: Huge mountainside depression utilized for collecting rainfall.

Figure 4 Khal dug out for storing rainwater. Source: cpreecenvis.nic.in

7. Dhaan: The shape of a lake known as Dhaan is created by water

collected from small and large streams.
8. Roof top rainwater harvesting method
9. Recharge well
DIFFICULTIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF WATERSHEDS

a. Topographical Complexity: The rough terrain of Uttarakhand makes it

difficult to apply consistent watershed management techniques throughout
the state.

b. Soil Erosion: This process lowers soil fertility and has an impact on water
quality. It is caused by deforestation, development, and unplanned land use.

c. Unpredictable Rainfall Patterns: The unpredictable rainfall patterns in

Uttarakhand exacerbate the problems associated with water management by
causing floods and droughts.

d. Lack of Awareness: Participation and implementation at the grassroots

level are hampered by the fact that many communities are unaware of
sustainable watershed management techniques.

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

a. Encourage the planting and replanting of land in order to preserve soil,

reduce erosion, and improve the ability of the land to hold water.

b. Soil conservation measures: To stop soil erosion and enhance soil health,
use terracing, contour farming, and agroforestry.

c. Water gathering and Conservation: To improve water availability and

replenish groundwater resources, check dams, percolation tanks, and
rainwater gathering structures are built.

d. Community Participation: Encouraging local stakeholders to be involved in

decision-making and implementation processes by using participatory
methodologies.

CASE STUDIES

JAL JAN JODO ABHIYAN

The English translation of Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyan is “Join Water with People
Movement.” The initiative’s goals are to encourage rainwater collection,
sustainable water resource management, and water conservation. The
programme highlights local involvement in water management for drinking,
agriculture, and other uses and promotes community participation in water-
related activities.
The Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyan has proven especially important in Uttarakhand,
where water scarcity is a major issue. This case study elaborates on how the
state has implemented it:

Uttarakhand’s Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyan: A Case Study

Introduction: Tucked away in India’s Himalayan area, Uttarakhand faces a

multitude of issues pertaining to water scarcity, particularly in its isolated
villages and steep landscapes. Realising how important sustainable water
management is and the state government launched the Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyan.

The campaign’s objectives are:

Water conservation: Encouraging localities to implement strategies including

watershed management, rainwater collection, and effective irrigation.

Community Involvement: Encouraging the neighbourhood’s active

participation in the design and execution of water conservation initiatives.

Raising residents’ awareness of the value of water conservation, sustainable

use, and the significance that community involvement plays.

Policy Advocacy: Promoting legislative reforms and enacting rules to assist

local and state initiatives aimed at conserving water.

The Implementation are- Community Workshops: To increase public

understanding of water conservation methods and the value of community
involvement, the campaign organised workshops and seminars in towns and
villages throughout Uttarakhand.

Building Capacity: Training sessions were held to equip the local communities
with the information and abilities needed to successfully execute water
conservation measures.

Infrastructure Development: To improve water supply during dry seasons, the

programme made it easier to build check dams, rainfall harvesting structures
and water storage tanks in different places.

Partnerships: In order to maximise resources and skills for carrying out water
conservation projects, alliances were formed with regional NGOs,
governmental organisations, and educational institutions.

Monitoring and Evaluation: In order to determine the effectiveness of

implemented procedures and make the required modifications for improved
results, methods for continuous monitoring and evaluation were established.
Outcomes and Significance:

Enhanced Water Availability: Communities enjoyed enhanced access to water

for household use, agriculture, and animals through rainwater gathering and
other conservation efforts.

Empowerment of Local Communities: By giving local communities the

authority to manage their water resources, the campaign increased their
sustainability and resistance to problems relating to water.

Policy Reforms: The Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyan’s success aided in state-level policy
changes that allowed community-led water management techniques to be
incorporated into official plans and initiatives.

Difficulties and Takeaways:

Topographical Restrictions: The rough topography of Uttarakhand made it

difficult to adopt some water conservation measures, necessitating creative
solutions that were adapted to the local environment.

Behavioural Change: Persistent efforts in teaching and awareness-raising

were necessary to encourage behavioural change about water usage and
conservation techniques.

Sustainability: Continued community involvement, institutional support, and

capacity building were necessary to guarantee the long-term sustainability of
water conservation efforts.

In summary:

In Uttarakhand, the Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyan is a prime example of how

community-driven strategies may effectively alleviate water scarcity and
advance sustainable water management. As a result of the campaign’s
promotion of cooperation amongst government organisations, local
communities, and other stakeholders, the region’s water security and
resilience have been significantly improved. Nonetheless, sustained work and
funding are necessary to build on these successes to solve upcoming issues
with water in the future.

This case study demonstrates how community involvement and creative

water management techniques have helped the Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyan
significantly address Uttarakhand’s water scarcity.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

An important government-led project called the Uttarakhand Decentralised

Watershed Development Project aims to advance sustainable watershed
management techniques in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Through
decentralised and community-driven techniques, the initiative is intended to
solve issues with soil conservation, water resource management, and
improving rural livelihoods.

Community Participation: Including nearby communities in all phases of

watershed management is one of the project’s main tenets. This covers the
organising, carrying out, and overseeing of tasks.

Planning for Watersheds: The initiative highlights the significance of thorough

planning for watersheds. This include determining and charting important
watershed areas as well as evaluating soil, water resource, and land use
trends.

Capacity Building: Investing in training and skill development programmes

for local communities, government officials, and other stakeholders, the
initiative recognises the need to enhance technical and management
capacity at the grassroots level.

Infrastructure Development: To improve water availability and control soil

erosion within the watershed areas, the project supports the building of
crucial infrastructure such as check dams, contour trenches, agricultural
ponds and irrigation channels.

Enhancement of Livelihood: Improving the socioeconomic circumstances of

the rural residents residing in the watershed areas is one of the project’s
other main goals. This is accomplished by promoting alternate means of
subsistence like horticulture, animal husbandry, organic farming, and
ecotourism.

The Uttarakhand Decentralised Watershed Development Project, taken as a

whole, offers an inclusive strategy for accomplishing sustainable watershed
management objectives. The project seeks to support the region’s long-term
ecological resilience and prosperity by fusing socioeconomic growth with
environmental conservation.

Rural Water Harvesting Structures: A Success Story

Getting access to sanitary and dependable water sources can be very

difficult in many rural places worldwide. However, communities have been
able to increase water availability for home and agricultural use by putting
small-scale water harvesting devices into place, which has significantly
improved livelihoods and general well-being.

Check dams, percolation tanks, rooftop rainwater collecting systems and tiny
reservoirs are a few examples of these water gathering structures.
Collaboration between local communities, governmental bodies, non-profits,
and occasionally businesses in the private sector is a common feature of the
implementation process.

Watershed Development Committees: Local community organisations called

Watershed Development Committees (WDCs) were founded with the purpose
of supervising and arranging watershed management initiatives within a
specific region. These committees are essential in promoting cooperative
decision-making and carrying out different actions meant to preserve and
repair watershed ecosystems.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS:

Enhancing watershed management practices through capacity building,

research and innovation, and policy support is crucial for ensuring
sustainable water resource utilization and ecosystem health. Each of these
areas plays a pivotal role in addressing the complex challenges associated
with watershed management, from mitigating water pollution to managing
water scarcity and fostering community engagement.

In this elaboration, I will delve deeper into the significance of capacity

building, research and innovation, and policy support in advancing
sustainable watershed management.

Capacity building initiatives are essential for equipping stakeholders with the
necessary technical skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively manage
watersheds. By investing in training programs, workshops, and educational
campaigns, stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies,
and non-governmental organizations, can develop a deeper understanding of
watershed dynamics, hydrology, soil conservation techniques, and
sustainable land management practices. Capacity building efforts should also
focus on promoting community participation and fostering partnerships
among diverse stakeholders to enhance collaboration and collective action in
watershed management efforts. Furthermore, capacity building initiatives
can empower local communities to take ownership of their watersheds,
leading to more effective and sustainable management practices tailored to
local contexts.
Research and innovation play a crucial role in advancing watershed
management practices by providing evidence-based solutions, improving
monitoring and evaluation methods, and facilitating informed decision-
making. Encouraging research in areas such as hydrology, water quality
monitoring, ecosystem services, and climate change impacts can lead to the
development of innovative technologies and tools for assessing watershed
health, predicting water availability, and identifying sustainable management
strategies. Leveraging advancements in remote sensing, geographic
information systems (GIS), and data analytics can enhance the efficiency and
accuracy of watershed monitoring and assessment efforts, enabling
stakeholders to make timely interventions and adapt management practices
to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, fostering interdisciplinary
research collaborations can facilitate knowledge exchange and promote
holistic approaches to watershed management that integrate social,
economic, and environmental considerations.

Policy support is essential for creating an enabling environment for

sustainable watershed management by establishing clear regulations,
incentives, and institutional frameworks. Strengthening policy frameworks
can help address governance gaps, streamline decision-making processes,
and promote coordination among different government agencies and
stakeholders involved in watershed management. This may include
developing watershed management plans, establishing water quality
standards, implementing land-use regulations, and allocating funding for
conservation and restoration efforts. Moreover, policy support should
prioritize the inclusion of marginalized communities and indigenous groups in
decision-making processes, ensuring that their rights and traditional
knowledge are respected and integrated into watershed management
initiatives.

In conclusion, advancing sustainable watershed management requires a

multifaceted approach that encompasses capacity building, research and
innovation, and policy support. By investing in these areas, stakeholders can
enhance their technical capacities, develop innovative solutions, and create
enabling policy environments that promote the long-term health and
resilience of watersheds. By working together and embracing a holistic
approach, we can effectively address the complex challenges facing
watersheds and safeguard these vital resources for future generations.

Considering Uttarakhand’s ecological significance and susceptibility to

environmental issues, efficient management of watersheds is vital for
sustainable development in the state. Through the implementation of a
comprehensive strategy that incorporates community engagement,
technological advancements, and policy backing, Uttarakhand can attain
enduring sustainability in watershed management, so preserving its natural
riches for posterity.

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