STRUCTURE

• Introduction – What is watershed (15 words)                
• Body – Explain importance of watershed in conserving the natural resources (120 words)
• Conclusion – Mention a short conclusion  (15 words)

ANSWER

Watershed is defined as any surface area from which rainfall is collected and drains through a common point. It is synonymous with a drainage basin or catchment area. In other words, watershed is a geo-hydrological unit, comprising of all land and water within the confines of drainage divide.

Watershed management is the integration of technologies within the natural boundaries of a drainage area for optimum development of land, water, and plant resources to meet the basic needs of the people and animals in a sustained manner.

Conservation is important to the watershed, because:

1) Parts of the watershed (called recharge areas) collect freshwater that people use for drinking, cleaning, and bathing. If these areas were completely covered up by cement, then rain water would never be able to penetrate through these coverings and into the ground; this source of freshwater collects underneath the ground and is stored in an aquifer. Collecting rain water for human consumption is vital to preventing the depletion of our freshwater supply. 3% of the entire Earth’s water supply consists of freshwater, but only 1% of this water is accessible in our lifetimes. 1% is a small amount for over 4.6 billion people, plants, and animals to all share. The other 2% of our freshwater supply is locked away in polar ice caps and remains out of our reach.

2) Pollution that enters the watershed may contaminate our small supply of freshwater and surrounding rivers, lakes, and oceans. Not only can this water be hazardous to drink, but it can also be hazardous for consumption too. Animals can choke on particles of trash and may even starve to death if they eat to many non-digestible items.

3) Areas of the watershed provide a habitat for plants and animals that may contain chemical compounds which are currently being used to generate new medicines for diseases. If we destroy these habitats in the watershed, then we may be eliminating our

chance to find a cure for many existing diseases.

Watershed management is a comprehensive program to utilize the available water and other resources in such a way that:

• The productivity of agriculture is enhanced
• To protect and enhance water resources, moderate floods and reduce silting up of tanks and conserve rainwater for crops and thus mitigate droughts
• To utilize the natural local resources for improving cottage and small industries to improve socio-economic conditions of local people.
• The allied activities of industries are promoted
• Social forestry provides an additional source of income
• Soil erosion is checked
• Cottage industries are developed
• More employment opportunities are created
• The space available may be made more enjoyable, and ecology may be maintained in a healthy and sustainable condition.