a) the detailed features of Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP);
b) whether certain States have requested the Government
to bring development programmes relating to all kinds of
land including wasteland under single Ministry at the
Centre;
c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
and
d) the action taken/being taken by the Government on
such requests?
MINISTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH)
a) Projects sanctioned under Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP) are executed for development of non-forest wastelands through Panchayati Raj Institutions under Hariyali Guidelines with effect from 1.4 2003 on watershed basis. Salient principles of the programme are
# Institutionalisation of community participation
# Emphasis on creation of sustainable rural livelihood
support systems
# Capacity building measures and decentralisation of
the processes of planning and decision making
# Equitable sharing of usufructs and in built
mechanism for creation of Watershed Development Fund for
maintenance of structures created on community land to
ensure post project sustainability of structures.
The major activities under the watershed approach are:
# Soil and moisture conservation measures
# Structures for water harvesting purposes
# Promotion of agro-forestry, pastureland and
horticulture development
# Training, extension and awareness creation among
stake holders
The present cost norm is Rs. 6000 per hectare (Cental share Rs.5500 and State share Rs.500). The allocation under project components is as follows:
# Watershed Treatment/ Development Works/ Activities- 85%
# Community Moblization and training - 5%
# Administrative Overheads- 10%
(b to d) No such request has been received from State to bring development programmes relating to all kinds of land including wasteland under single Ministry at the Centre.