The basic objective of the programme is to minimise the adverse effects of drought on production of crops and livestock and productivity of land, water and human resources ultimately leading to drought proofing of the affected areas. The programme also aims to promote overall economic development and improving the socio-economic conditions of the resource poor and disadvantaged sections inhabiting the programme areas.
The objective of each watershed development project is to promote the economic development of the village community which is directly or indirectly dependent on the watershed and to encourage restoration of ecological balance in the village. It also includes Development of Agri. lands, horticulture, grassland, forest land, soil and water conservation measures, creation of water resources etc. It is a 4/5 year project and during this period funds amounting to Rs.30.00 lacs for one watershed development project are allocated for different components (works, training, community organization, entry point activity etc.) and an area of 1250 Acres(Approx. 500 Hect) is covered under this project.
The prevailing cost for a prescribed watershed project of 500 ha. is Rs. 30.00 lakh i.e. Rs. 6,000 per hectare. Central and State Government in the ratio of 75 : 25 share the cost. 80% (85% under Hariyali) of the cost is devoted towards watershed development activities and rest 20% (15% under Hariyali) for community organization, training and administrative jobs. The central share is released in 7 installments ( 5 insts. under Hariyali) by following a prescribed procedure. The project is to be completed over a period of five years.
