The main aim of the watershed management strategy in India is to focus on soil conservation. Watershed management is a comprehensive approach that involves the sustainable use and management of land, water, and natural resources in a specific geographical area.
Option 1: Promoting silviculture refers to the practice of growing and managing forests. While forests play a role in watershed management by preventing soil erosion and regulating water flow, it is not the main aim of the strategy.
Option 2: Hillslope management involves measures to control erosion on hillslopes. It is a part of watershed management, but it is not the main aim of the strategy.
Option 3: Arid land management focuses on sustainable practices for managing arid and dryland ecosystems. While arid land management can be a component of watershed management in specific regions, it is not the main focus of the strategy in India.
Option 4: This is the correct answer. Soil conservation is a foundational aspect of watershed management. It involves implementing measures to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and enhance the overall health of the soil. By conserving soil, the watershed management strategy aims to ensure the sustainability of water resources and maintain the ecological balance in the area.
Alert - correct answer should be 2.