The Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) is a flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the bio-productivity and natural resource base of the rural poor, especially those who live in the rain-fed areas. The program is implemented through the Watershed Development Teams (WDTs) in each watershed, with the active participation of the local community.
The benefits of implementing the Integrated Watershed Development Programme include:
1. Prevention of soil runoff: By implementing the program, the soil erosion rate can be reduced, which helps to conserve soil fertility.
2. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table: The program emphasizes on rainwater harvesting and recharging the groundwater table, which helps to increase the availability of water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
3. Regeneration of natural vegetation: The program focuses on the regeneration of natural vegetation, which helps to increase the bio-productivity of the area.
4. Linking the countrys perennial rivers with seasonal rivers: The program aims to link the perennial rivers with seasonal rivers, which helps to reduce the impact of droughts and floods in the region.