What do you understand by “Watershed Management”? List any two advantages of watershed management.

Watershed Management: Watershed management refers to the comprehensive and sustainable planning, conservation, and utilization of land and water resources within a specific watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls or drains into it ultimately flows to a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Watershed management involves the integrated management of soil, water, vegetation, and other natural resources within the watershed to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives.

Advantages of Watershed Management:

1.) Water Conservation and Quality Improvement:

Prevention of Erosion: Watershed management practices, such as afforestation and soil conservation measures, help prevent soil erosion. This, in turn, reduces sedimentation in water bodies, maintaining water quality and preventing the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

Groundwater Recharge: By controlling runoff and promoting infiltration, watershed management contributes to the recharge of groundwater aquifers. This helps in maintaining a sustainable supply of groundwater for agriculture, drinking water, and other purposes.

2)Flood Control and Disaster Mitigation:

Erosion Control: Effective watershed management helps control soil erosion, reducing the likelihood of flash floods and landslides during heavy rainfall events.

Natural Buffer Zones: Proper land use planning within a watershed can create natural buffer zones, such as wetlands and vegetated areas, which act as sponges to absorb excess water and reduce the intensity of floods. This is crucial for minimizing the impact of natural disasters.

Watershed management not only provides ecological benefits but also supports sustainable development by ensuring the availability of water resources, promoting biodiversity, and reducing the risk of environmental hazards.

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