The degradation of environment in the dryland areas is basically attributed to the increasing biotic pressure on the fragile ecosystems in the absence of adequate investment and appropriate management practices to augment and conserve the land and water resources. Population growth and poverty on the one hand and the pressure of rising demand from affluence and consumerism on the other, have been exerting powerful pressure on the ecosystems. Besides, the macro-economic policies, which provide inducement to overexploitation of natural resources, are also responsive for denudation of environment.

Addressing the wide spectrum of issues relating to ecological challenges and human response, the present book covers all important aspects of watershed development which are needed for a proper grounding in watershed management for agencies and people involves in it.

The book has been written keeping in view all the problems faced by planners, implementors and field workers and tries to cater to their requirements. It has been intended as a comprehensive guide, full of practical tips for those working in the field of watershed management from either governmental or non-governmental organizations. The book could also be used by students in agriculture, forestry and engineering colleges and institutions. Noteworthy is the fact that this 

all-inclusive manual will be the first of its kind that will solve innumerable problems of the field workers who run from pillar to post in search of solutions.

1 Philosophy and Concept of Watershed

2 Soils

3 Soil Erosion

4 Land Capability Classification

5 Rainfall and Runoff

6 Topographic Surveying

7 Participatory Rural Appraisal in Watershed Programme

8 Community Mobilisation and Participatory Institution-Building

9 Use of Remote Sensing Thematic Maps

10 Indigenous Soil and Water Conservation Practices and Agronomic Measures

11 Erosion Control Measures on Agricultural Land

12 Mechanical Erosion Control Measures for Non-Agricultural Land

13 Water Conservation and Harvesting

14 Groundwater Management in Watershed

15 Nursery Raising and Community Plantation

16 Grassland Management

17 Agro-Forestry Systems

18 Horticulture Development

19 Joint Forestry Management in Watershed

20 Common Property Resource Management in Watershed Areas

21 Empowerment of Women and Other Gender Issues

22 Equity Issues in Watershed Management

23 Financial Management and Accounting Procedures

24 Monitoring and Evaluation in Watersheds

Dr Rajesh Rajora, IAS, has a vast experience of implementation of watershed programmes. As Additional Collector, Jhabua (M.P.), Executive Director, District Rural Development Agency, Jhabua and Project Director, Rajiv Gandhi Mission on Watershed Development, he had been instrumental in formulating, planning and executing watershed projects in a holistic manner. He has postulated watershed as a unit of development, rather than just a geo-hydrological unit, thereby evolving the ‘Jhabua model’ of Integrated Watershed Management. He has also supervised and monitored projects on watershed management sponsored by FAO, ILO, WFP, DANIDA and ODA. He had been posted as District Collectors of Dhar, Balaghat, Ujjain and Indore between 1998 to 2005. 

Dr Rajora is currently Principal Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Investment Promotion, and Department of Public Relations, Government of Madhya Pradesh. He also served for six years as Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Madhya Pradesh.