GUWAHATI, Aug 22 ? Watershed management possesses a plethora of dimensions, but if executed with care, it would not merely minimise the havoc of floods, but more significantly, would help improve the ecological state of a particular region. Sound watershed management practices, however, require precise scientific data, and a dispassionate attitude.
This perception was elaborated at the ?Seminar on International Year of Fresh Water,? organised by the UNESCO Association, in the city today. The seminar specifically dealt with issues related with water resources and watershed management, an area that was explored in detail by Dr Arup Sarma, a faculty from IIT Guwahati.
Defining watershed from a comprehensive approach, Dr Sarma said that there has been a paradigm shift in earlier views about watershed and its management. Nowadays, a whole lot of other elements like biotic resources, as well as abiotic resources are included in the scope of a single unit. The inclusion of more variables made the study of watershed management more challenging.
In spite of the difficulties which exist, identifying and understanding the watershed is imperative for the development of water resources, and for sustenance of all living beings dependent on those resources. A correct evaluation of the watershed could be the key to redress situations like flood, siltation, and erosion.
Alluding to specific instances, Dr Sarma asserted that management of the watershed should also include the study of other aspects like removal of vegetal cover, and anthropogenic interventions with natural ecosystems.
According to him, anthropogenic factors have been playing an increasing role in changing the ecological landscape for better or for worse. Deforestation has been one of the major culprits in increasing surface run-off that in turn can destroy the topsoil, and also create flood situations.
He contrasted such developments with some indigenous agricultural practices, which help in maintaining the fragile ecological balance. Pointing to some forms of terrace cultivation practised in Manipur, he remarked that terrace cultivation could ensure a better utilisation of land as well as water resources, which are scarce in hilly regions.
Referring to several instances, he underscored the need for local people?s participation for the success of a watershed management project. The need of the people, especially their economic requirements, should be met by the project in order to serve the equally important interest of the natural ecology of the region, he said.
In an appeal to the audience, he mentioned the need to have a wider vision to appreciate the myriad aspects related to watershed management. In his view, the time has come for the people to become aware and informed about the use of water, and especially the need to manage water resources in a fragile ecological situation.
CK Das, Additional Chief Secretary, Assam and adviser to UNESCO Association, along with R Barpatragohain, Faculty of Law, Gauhati University, and Dr Aswini Sarma, secretary of the association also attended the seminar.