History of Watershed Management in India

1. Ancient and Traditional Water Conservation Practices

Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3000 BCE):

• • One of the earliest known civilizations to implement sophisticated water management systems, including dams, reservoirs, and drainage systems.
  • Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa had well-planned urban water supply and drainage systems.

Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE):

• • Mention of water conservation practices in Rigveda and Arthashastra.
  • Emphasis on the construction of ponds, wells, and irrigation tanks for sustainable agriculture.

Ancient Kingdoms and Empires:

• • Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE): King Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya promoted irrigation projects for agriculture.
  • Gupta Period (320–550 CE): Construction of large tanks and reservoirs like Sudarsana Lake in Gujarat.
  • Chola and Pallava Dynasties (300–1279 CE): Extensive tank irrigation systems in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
  • Rajput Kingdoms: Development of step-wells (Baolis) in Rajasthan and Gujarat for water storage.

2. Medieval Period (1206–1707 CE)

Sultanate and Mughal Era:

• • Construction of large reservoirs, Baolis (step-wells), and canals for irrigation.
  • Emperor Feroz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 CE) constructed the Western Yamuna Canal for irrigation in Delhi.
  • Akbar and Shah Jahan built extensive canal networks, including the Nahr-i-Bahisht (Canal of Paradise).

Deccan and South India:

• • Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE) developed intricate tank irrigation systems.
  • Karez systems (underground water channels) introduced in the Deccan region by Persian influence.

3. British Colonial Period (1757–1947)

• Shift to Large-scale Irrigation: Focus on large canal irrigation projects to boost agricultural production for commercial crops (cotton, indigo, opium). Neglect of traditional water harvesting structures and community-managed systems.
• Major Projects: Upper Ganga Canal (1842): One of the oldest irrigation canals in India. Bari Doab Canal (1859) and Sirhind Canal (1882) in Punjab. Godavari and Krishna Delta Systems in Andhra Pradesh for irrigation development.
• Impact on Watershed Management: Introduction of the Permanent Settlement System led to the decline of community-managed irrigation systems. Focus on large canals and neglect of traditional watershed management practices resulted in waterlogging and soil salinity.

4. Post-Independence Period (1947–1970s)

• Focus on Large Dams and Canal Systems: Emphasis on large-scale dam projects for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control. Bhakra Nangal (1963), Hirakud (1957), and Damodar Valley Corporation (1948) are notable examples.
• Neglect of Watershed Management: Initial focus on large irrigation systems led to environmental issues such as waterlogging, soil salinity, and degradation of rainfed areas.
• Beginning of Soil and Water Conservation Efforts: Establishment of Soil Conservation Research, Demonstration, and Training Centres (1954) by the Ministry of Agriculture. Formation of the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI) in 1956 (now IISWC, Dehradun).

5. Emergence of Watershed Management Approach (1980s–1990s)

• Shift to Watershed Development: Realization of the need for holistic watershed management to combat soil erosion, drought, and rural poverty. Emphasis on integrated water resource management and community participation.
• Major Programs and Initiatives: National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) – 1986: Focus on rainfed agriculture and integrated watershed management. Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) – 1973 and Desert Development Programme (DDP) – 1977 aimed at improving the productivity of drought-prone and desert areas.
• International Collaboration: Introduction of participatory watershed management models through ICRISAT and international agencies like World Bank and FAO.

6. Watershed Management in the 21st Century

• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) – 2009: Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, integrating all existing watershed schemes under one program. Focus on sustainable natural resource management, livelihood security, and community participation.
• National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) – 2006: Established to coordinate and implement policies for rainfed agriculture and watershed management. Provides technical guidance, policy support, and convergence of watershed programs.
• Reorganization under PMKSY – 2015: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) integrated watershed development under the component Watershed Development (WDC-PMKSY).
  • Emphasis on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and drought-proofing.

7. Community-based Watershed Management Models

• Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra): Led by Anna Hazare for drought-proofing and rural development through watershed management.
• Hiware Bazar (Maharashtra): A model village for water conservation and sustainable agriculture through watershed development.
• Sukhomajri (Haryana): First participatory watershed management project in India, emphasizing community involvement in soil and water conservation