Watershed Programmes

Watershed development programmes (WDPs) have become a key strategy for sustainable economic development in large parts of Gujarat that are experiencing frequent droughts, dwindling groundwater resources, increasing salinity and loss of vegetation. These programmes have also involved successfully a large number of NGOs. The experience of Gujarat in this field ought to yield important lessons for others. An analysis of WDPs is attempted here with a focus on the following issues: what are the major challenges to these programmes across different agro-climatic zones in the state? What are the initial achievements? What have been the problems and how can the full potential of WDP be tapped?