Uttranchal Decentralised Watershed Development Project

            The total geographical area of Uttranchal is 53483 Sq. Kms with population of 8.479 million having 87% of the land in the hills.  About 70% of the hill population is engaged in agriculture which is the only source of livelihood.  The land holdings are very small and scattered. Agriculture is basically rainfed and subsistent in nature. The soil are fragile in nature with steep slopes and highly prone to soil erosion during monsoon season.  Rural infrastructure facilities are very much inadequate to meet the requirement of rural communities.  Under this situation, for enhancing productivity and provide food security to these rainfed areas, comprehensive watershed development approach to conserve soil and water resources and improve the dry land crops is one of the most viable solution. 

            Integrated Watershed Development Project with World Bank assistance is being implemented in the state(1999 – 2005) under which 0.04 m ha area have been treated. The project has resulted in increase in agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, increase in irrigation through water harvesting structures, tank, minor irrigation. 

            Looking at the successful implementation of earlier projects and experiences learnt, the Uttaranchal Decentralized Watershed Development Project has been launched in  September, 2004.  The project aims at improving the productive potential of natural resources and increasing incomes of rural inhabitants in selected watersheds through socially inclusive, institutionally and environmentally sustainable approaches. The project envisages Participatory Watershed Development and Management, Enhancing Livelihood Opportunities and Institutional Strengthening. Total cost is US$ 89.35million (World Bank Assistance of US$ 69.62 million) for a period of 8 years and it is targeted to develop  1m ha area.