GS PrelimsEnvironmentNational Initiatives for Water Conservation2014

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.

A

1 and 2 only

B

2, 3 and 4 only

C

1, 3 and 4 only

D

1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1. The Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) focuses on the holistic management and development of watershed areas. 2. Benefit 1: Watershed management activities such as afforestation, contour bunding, check dams, etc., are specifically designed for the prevention of soil runoff and erosion control. This is a key benefit. Correct. 3. Benefit 2: The concept of linking the country's perennial rivers with seasonal rivers refers to large-scale river interlinking projects, which is a different domain and scale than the typical scope of IWDP, which focuses on localized watershed management. Incorrect. 4. Benefit 3: Water conservation is central to IWDP. Techniques employed directly promote rainwater harvesting (storing surface water) and facilitate the recharge of groundwater table through structures like percolation tanks and check dams. Correct. 5. Benefit 4: IWDP includes components like afforestation, pasture development, and promoting sustainable land use practices, all contributing to the regeneration of natural vegetation cover in the watershed area. Correct. Therefore, the benefits of implementing IWDP include 1, 3, and 4.

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