Published on 23 Feb 2025
A catchment area, also known as a watershed, is the land area that drains into a specific body of water, like a river, lake, or reservoir. Catchment area development (CAD) focuses on managing and improving the health of this crucial landmass.
Objectives of Catchment Area Development
Secure reliable water: Maintain and improve water quality and quantity for downstream uses (irrigation, drinking, hydropower).
Protect soil health: Prevent erosion through terracing, contour farming, and afforestation to preserve soil fertility and minimize sedimentation.
Mitigate flood risks: Implement measures like check dams and improved drainage to control water flow and minimize flooding.
Enhance livelihoods: Support sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism for local communities, fostering environmental stewardship and income generation.
Key Activities of Catchment Area Development
Regulate Land Use: Prevent deforestation and promote sustainable practices like crop rotation
Example: Joint Forest Management Committees in Andhra Pradesh
Enhance Water Storage: Capture rainwater through harvesting techniques and small dams
Example: Rooftop harvesting in Chennai
Promote Vegetation Growth: Plant trees and encourage vegetative cover
Example: Miyawaki forests implemented in various regions
Empower Communities: Involve local communities in decision-making
Example: Pani Panchayats in Gujarat
Challenges faced by Catchment area development
Competing Land Uses: Balancing demands for agriculture, forestry, infrastructure development, and conservation can be difficult.
Fragmented Land Ownership: Numerous landowners complicate implementing coordinated management practices.
Limited Resources: Funding constraints can restrict activities like infrastructure development and community outreach programs.
Lack of Awareness: Educating stakeholders about the importance of catchment health and encouraging behaviour change takes time and effort.
Benefits and the need to promote CAD
Improved Water Security: Healthy catchments store rainwater, ensuring a reliable source during dry seasons
Example: Himalayan CAD projects (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) using rainwater harvesting ensure water availability during dry seasons.
Enhanced Soil Health: CAD practices prevent erosion and promote healthy vegetation, leading to better soil
Example: Land management practices promoted through CAD in Rajasthan's Thar Desert (e.g., contour farming) reduce erosion and improve soil health.
Reduced Flood Risks: Healthy catchments absorb excess water, minimizing floods downstream
Example: CAD initiatives in the hilly regions of Meghalaya and North east, involving stream bank stabilization and bioengineering techniques, minimize flood impact.
Sustainable Livelihoods: CAD supports eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, boosting local income
Example: Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala) promotes responsible tourism within its catchment, generating income for local communities.
Ecosystem Health: Healthy catchments with proper vegetation support diverse plant and animal life
Example: Miyawaki forests (rapid forestation with native species) implemented through CAD initiatives
Geography
CATCHMENT AREA DEVELOPMENT
objectives of Catchment Area Development
Key Activities of Catchment Area Development
Challenges faced by Catchment area development
Benefits and the need to promote CAD
General Studies Paper 1
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