Integrated Watershed Programme
Full Form of IWP
What is IWP?
The Integrated Watershed Programme (IWP) is a government initiative in India aimed at the holistic development of rain-fed and drought-prone rural areas through soil and water conservation, afforestation, and livelihood support. Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, the IWP focuses on restoring ecological balance by treating degraded land, harvesting rainwater, and improving groundwater levels. It is implemented through participatory planning involving local communities, panchayats, and self-help groups. The programme is particularly significant in states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, where water scarcity is acute. The IWP was later merged into the larger Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to streamline watershed management. It plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing rural distress. For competitive exams like UPSC and state civil services, questions about watershed programmes and their impact on sustainable agriculture are common. The IWP remains a reference point for integrated land and water resource management policies in India.
IWP का फुल फॉर्म
एकीकृत जलग्रहण कार्यक्रम
Example
The Integrated Watershed Programme has significantly improved groundwater recharge in the drought-hit districts of Vidarbha.