Integrated Watershed Management
Full Form of IWM
What is IWM?
Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) is a holistic approach to the sustainable development and management of natural resources within a watershed area. It aims to balance ecological, economic, and social considerations by integrating land, water, and vegetation management with community participation. In India, IWM is pivotal for rainfed regions, forming the cornerstone of government initiatives like the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), now part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). It is implemented primarily by the Ministry of Rural Development and state-level watershed agencies, focusing on soil conservation, water harvesting, afforestation, and livelihood enhancement for rural communities. IWM is used across the country, especially in drought-prone and desert areas. Exam relevance: It is a key topic in competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, state PCS, and agriculture extension services, often appearing under geography, environmental management, and rural development sections.
IWM का फुल फॉर्म
एकीकृत जलग्रहण क्षेत्र प्रबंधन
Example
The Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) approach has successfully revived groundwater levels and increased agricultural productivity in the drought-hit districts of Maharashtra.