TODAY -

E-Pao! Education - Sustainable development through integrated watersheds

Sustainable development through integrated watershed

By: L Lhingneilam *



The sustainable development has been the key objective of development strategies since the 1970s.

The concept was highlighted by World Commission on Environment and Development as a guiding principle for balancing development and environment in a manner that while development takes care of the needs of the present society, the environment is also not impaired permanently.

According to the Commission, sustainable development is development that meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs (WCED, 1987).

Life in the hills of Manipur is generally centered on the use of natural resources and a huge populace still remains dependent on a productive natural base for a living.

However, increasing biotic pressure, absence of appropriate technology, lack of strong policy and public participation coupled with the lack of proper understanding of environmental inter-linkages have lead to progressive decline of natural resources and destruction of watersheds.

The piecemeal efforts in planning era have largely failed to halt the march of resources degradation and the region has subsequently faced the challenge to feed increasing population. Besides, the benefits of development did not reach the real stakeholders i.e. the tribal people.

It materializes that no solution can be effective unless people accept them and put them to use.

Precisely, the earlier top-down model of natural resource management was not successful by taking local people together. Thus, the demand-responsive, community lead and participatory scheme have become the felt need of the hour to integrate the livelihood resource base in the region, which is possible only with the active involvement of local people through integrated watershed management.

It is expected that integrated watershed management approach could be an entry point for outsider to understand the local environment and for making integrated conservation and development planning at the regional level.

The integrated watershed development approach is an effective mechanism for efficient management of local resources and the key for sustainable development, poverty alleviation, livelihood security and equitable access to resources in the region.

Resource degradation

The increasing human and livestock population is continually exerting pressure on the natural base in search of land, fuel and fodder. Due to ever increasing extension of agricultural land towards the marginal and steep hill slopes, deforestation, erosion and many such ill-effects on over all local environment have been on the rise.

Faced with immediate survival needs, local people often have no alternative and are being involved in extracting more natural resources i.e. forest products. The forests have been ruthlessly over-exploited by both the legal and illegal encroachments.

Consequently, forest depletion has accentuated further soil erosion, decline in land productivity and mounting dearth of fuel, fodder and water resources.

People who sustain their livelihood on the utilization of such fragile environment and natural resources have over exploited these resources over a period of time and they have further eroded the resource base on which they must subsist.

Among the various environmental issues, accelerated rate of soil erosion, massive deforestation, productivity decline, large number of springs drying up and climatic changes have stood as the main threats to the environment.

All these go a long way towards influencing the conditions of development. Thus, human interference has caused a decrease in forest land ratio.

Many efforts have been made in order to raise the productivity of land resources after the initiation of the five year plan in the country. The output of such resources has also increased by many folds, but in practise, most of the people in mountain and hill regions still suffer from malnutrition.

Living in remote areas and working in the informal economy these people are also invisible to decision makers and other governmental agencies.

In short the available resources and their potentiality to transform the present subsistence rural economy into a modern one have not been observed prominently. Consequently, the region has remained far behind in the race of development.

What is therefore, noted fact is that backwardness of the region is not caused by lack of resources but by the problem of resource development and management. The crux of the problem lies therefore, in the use and conservation of environmental resources at the grass roots level.

Watershed Development Programmes

A quite lot of watershed development projects have been undertaken at the micro level in the state each covering a few thousands hectares of land which normally belongs to 5-6 villages.

These micro level projects have seen visible impacts in terms of increase in cropping intensity, increase in farmers' income, introduction of new crops and soil conservation.

Mentioned may be made of the Merakhong micro-watershed, Leimakhong micro-watershed, and Kha-Leimakhong micro-watershed where on an average the cropping intensity increases by over 10%.

The average increase in family's income was recorded at over 40%. Besides, the areas witnessed substantial increase in greenery. By and large the projects have met their desired objectives.

Future policy

Rapidly deteriorated natural resources clearly exhibits that there is an urgent need of an effective resource management approach that can integrate resource conservation and development interlinking people with environment at the regional level.

Using the region as a backdrop watershed management approach has been proposed as the clue of future strategy in order to promote sustainable development of natural resources in the region.

Plans based on the administrative units and Central Government decisions failed to address real needs of the region and to utilize natural regional resources. This is mainly due to top-down planning for local development and less interest of local people towards the Government launched programme.

Further selection of administrative boundary as planning unit and ignoring the ecological bases for development is the root cause for its failure. Previous studies have shown that the integrated watershed development approach is more practicable to evolve a compact technical, economical and ecological i.e. geographical unit planning for resource utilization and conservation.

Thus, in the study area, watershed management approach could play a significant role to increase the productivity of the total resources providing a logical planning unit for evaluating the biophysical linkages of upstream and downstream activities.

It was only in the sixth five year plan which was introduced as an integrated development approach. In the initial phase it had taken as the synonymous of soil and water conservation.

But the failure of large scale development programmes and the realization of the importance of interlinkages between resource productivity and sustained increase in rural income have led to a shift in watershed management approach with the prime focus of integrating environment and development at regional level.

In operational level it brings all concerned institutions into single window system through interdisciplinary approach. Recently, it is more anthropo-eco-centric and community based just than technology based, leading empowerment and self reliance of the primary stakeholders.

The watershed management approach of development is an entry point for outsiders to understand local environment, and for making development plan in comprehensive way. However, past evidences show that macro watershed management programmes in Manipur have some remarkable failures.

Many watersheds are still being degraded. Especially large-scale programmes have rarely been successful in conservation and utilization of local and natural resources. These degraded watersheds are further worsening due to over intervention of outside technical teams.

Thus social mobilization is felt to the success of watershed development approach with strong feeling of belongingness of local people towards ongoing development and conservation programmes. This is possible only by adopting micro-watershed development approach which can provide an appropriate path ways of eco-development.

Further, it would also be helpful in devising location specific solutions that may emerge by resolving activities that are conflicting and build-on complementary activities (afforestation and soil conservation in hill and mountain regions enables better productivity).

Thus, emphasis should be shift from large to small watershed area in which management of environment and socio-economic development both can be integrated. Based on the drainage pattern, transport network, population statistics and relief features, the region should be divided into macro watersheds, sub-watersheds and micro-watersheds.

They should be put forward as the unit of eco-development planning in the region. Micro watershed units can further be sub-divided into small and mini watershed unit varying in sizes for different land use purposes.

It is hoped that micro-watershed development strategy could solve the problem of five 'Es': Employment, Economy, Ecology, Export and Equity and would be ushered in eco-development with a sharp focus on resource conservation and poverty alleviation in the region.

Furthermore, the institutional and technical co-ordination amongst the involved agencies would also be strengthened in the State.

Conclusion

It can be safely concluded that the watershed of the area are continuously depleting due to several bio-physical and socio-cultural factors.

However resource base of the region has still been showing potential prospective for optimal utilization of available resources in the watershed through integrated management planning with active people's participation for a sustainable development of the hill region of Manipur.


L Lhingneilam wrote this article for The Sangai Express . This article was webcasted on January 04th, 2006.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025