(a) whether the Government is likely to start `Watershed Development Programme` at
National level to be implemented by Panchayati Raj Institutions;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) if not, whether the Government is likely to extend the `Hariyali Programme`; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI A. NARENDRA)
(a)to(d) The Area Development Programmes of the Department of Land Resources
under the Ministry of Rural Development are already being implemented on watershed
basis in the country under the common guidelines since 1.4.1995.These guidelines have
been modified as guidelines for Hariyali w.e.f. 1.4.2003 to provide a pivotal role to.
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for implementation of these programmes in consonance
with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. The Area Development Programmes
of this Department include the Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP),
the Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) and the Desert Development Programme
(DDP). DPAP is being implemented in 972 identified blocks of 183 districts in 16 States
of semi-arid/ dry sub-humid regions in the country.DDP is being implemented in 235
identified blocks of 40 districts in 7 States of arid region. IWDP is implemented in areas
not covered under DPAP and DDP in 403 districts.