Integrated Watershed Management Programme ( IWMP )
IWMP is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Land Resources, Department of Rural Development, Government of India. In Kerala the scheme is implemented through Department of Rural Development.The main objective of IWMP project is judicious utilization of every drop of rainwater received, for domestic consumption, agriculture, horticulture, livestock rearing etc thereby attaining self sufficiency in drinking water, increase in employment opportunities, increase the standard of living etc. The project area is a cluster of micro watersheds with an area of 1000 to 5000ha. Duration of the programme is in the range of 4 years to 7 years depending upon nature of activities. The main aim of the project is to restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources such as soil, vegetative cover and water. The outcomes are prevention of soil run-off, regeneration of natural vegetation, rain water harvesting and recharging of the ground water table. Government of India has sanctioned projects to be treated under IWMP spread across all 14 districts of Kerala. Kerala is the state where IWMP is being implemented exclusively and through complete involvement of local self government organisations and involving maximum participation of local population right from planning through all stages of implementation and monitoring.
IWMP is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Land Resources, Department of Rural Development, Government of India. In Kerala the scheme is implemented through Department of Rural Development.The main objective of IWMP project is judicious utilization of every drop of rainwater received, for domestic consumption, agriculture, horticulture, livestock rearing etc thereby attaining self sufficiency in drinking water, increase in employment opportunities, increase the standard of living etc. The project area is a cluster of micro watersheds with an area of 1000 to 5000ha. Duration of the programme is in the range of 4 years to 7 years depending upon nature of activities. The main aim of the project is to restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources such as soil, vegetative cover and water. The outcomes are prevention of soil run-off, regeneration of natural vegetation, rain water harvesting and recharging of the ground water table. Government of India has sanctioned projects to be treated under IWMP spread across all 14 districts of Kerala. Kerala is the state where IWMP is being implemented exclusively and through complete involvement of local self government organisations and involving maximum participation of local population right from planning through all stages of implementation and monitoring.