Area Scenario for Development on Watershed Concept in Karnataka

Karnataka has the highest proportion (79 %) of drought prone area among all major states in the country and in absolute terms it has the second largest area of dry land in the country after Rajasthan. In addition, Karnataka also has the second lowest (154.2 M ha M/Yr) replenishable ground water resources among major states after Rajasthan.

Watershed is a geo-hydrological unit of all land and water within the confines of drainage divide which contributes runoff to a common point. It is a land area that captures rainfall and conveys the overland flow and runoff to an outlet in the main flow channel. Watershed development refers to the conservation regeneration and the judicious use of all the resources – natural (like land, water plants, animals) and human – within the watershed area. Watershed Management tries to bring about the best possible balance in the environment between natural resources on the one side and man and animals on the other. Since it is the man which is primarily responsible for degradation of environment, regeneration and conservation can only be possible by promoting awakening and participation among the people who inhabit the watersheds.