Approaches of Surface Water Management: Watershed-Based Approaches

Surface water management refers to the strategies used to regulate and optimize the availability, distribution, and quality of surface water resources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. One of the most effective strategies is the watershed-based approach, which considers the entire watershed or drainage basin as a unit for water resource management, ensuring sustainability and minimizing conflicts between upstream and downstream users.

1. Watershed-Based Approaches

Watershed

A watershed (or drainage basin) is a geographical area where all precipitation and surface runoff flow into a common outlet such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Example: The Ganga River Basin is a watershed that drains into the Bay of Bengal.

Hydrological Cycle and Watershed Management

Watershed-based approaches work by managing the hydrological cycle, which involves precipitation, infiltration, runoff, evapotranspiration, and groundwater recharge.

Precipitation: Rainfall or snowfall within a watershed.
Runoff: Water that flows over land into streams, lakes, or reservoirs.
Infiltration: Water absorbed by the soil, which recharges groundwater.
Evapotranspiration: Water loss from surfaces and vegetation.

2. Key Approaches in Watershed-Based Surface Water Management

A. Integrated Watershed Management (IWM)

This approach integrates land, water, and biodiversity management to ensure sustainable water availability.

Key Strategies:

Afforestation & Reforestation: Increases infiltration and reduces soil erosion.
Soil Conservation Techniques: Check dams, contour bunding, and terracing help in retaining water and preventing runoff.
Community Participation: Engaging local communities for sustainable water management.
Example: The Sukhomajri Watershed Project in India implemented soil and water conservation measures, leading to improved water availability and agricultural productivity.

B. River Basin Management

Focuses on managing water resources at the river basin level to ensure equitable distribution and conflict resolution between users.

Key Strategies:

Upstream and Downstream Coordination: Prevents water conflicts between different regions.
Flow Regulation: Dams and reservoirs help regulate water availability.
Water Quality Monitoring: Prevents industrial pollution and ensures safe drinking water.
Example: The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) aims to improve the water quality of the Ganga River by controlling pollution and promoting sustainable watershed management.

C. Participatory Watershed Development

Encourages stakeholder involvement, including farmers, industries, and local governments, in decision-making.

Key Strategies:

Rainwater Harvesting: Collection and storage of rainwater for agricultural and domestic use.
Livelihood-Based Interventions: Ensuring that watershed management also benefits local communities.
Micro-Watershed Approach: Dividing large watersheds into smaller units for efficient management.
Example: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan in India promotes community-led water conservation efforts, including rainwater harvesting and watershed rejuvenation.

D. Eco-Hydrological Approach

Focuses on maintaining the natural ecological balance of watersheds while managing water resources.

Key Strategies:

Wetland Conservation: Protects wetlands that act as natural water filters.
Sustainable Land Use Planning: Prevents deforestation and urban encroachment on water bodies.
Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction Management: Ensures sustainable groundwater recharge.
Example: The Ramsar Convention aims to protect wetland ecosystems worldwide, ensuring their role in water purification and flood control.

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