What are the benefits of implementing the 'Integrated Watershed Development Programme'? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country's perennial rivers with seasonal rivers 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Why the answer is (c)
• The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (2009, now part of PMKSY) treats a watershed as a unit, building check dams, contour bunds and percolation tanks to prevent soil run-off (1), harvest rainwater and recharge groundwater (3), and regenerate vegetation on degraded lands (4).
• Linking perennial and seasonal rivers (2) is the separate National River Linking Project, not a watershed programme.
• Hence 1, 3 and 4 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- River linking is not part of watershed development.
- (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
- River linking is not a benefit; soil-runoff prevention is.
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- River linking is a separate project.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.