(a) whether it is a fact that minor watersheds (Pandhara) are not being optimally utilised in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
(c) the efforts made by the Government to ensure the optimum utilisation of the said project and small watersheds; and
(d) the extent to which the Government has achieved success as a result of such efforts?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Does not arise.
(c) & (d): Government of India, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Land Resources has launched a flagship Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in 2009-10 for restoring the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources across the country. As envisaged in Operation Guidelines for Watershed Development Projects-(Revised-2011), a geo hydrological unit (watershed/pandhara) of area ranging from 1000 to 5000 hectare, comprising clusters of micro-watersheds are selected under IWMP for holistic watershed development focusing on conservation and optimum utilization of natural resources.
As on 31.03.2014, the Department of Land Resources has sanctioned 7204 watershed projects covering an area of 34.26 million hectare and released Rs.8747.55 crore as central share to the States under IWMP. Interventions under this programme have resulted in prevention of soil erosion, runoff reduction, regeneration of natural vegetation, rainwater harvesting and augmentation of ground water.