OBJECTIVES

To augment, conserve and optimize the utilization of soil and water resources in rain fed areas. This would reduce the vulnerability to droughts and stabilize the fluctuations in agricultural production.

To develop an easily available repository of scientific and technological inputs especially for the field level implementing agencies which could facilitate detailed and area specific planning.

To maximize people's participation in concept, planning, implementation and maintenance of soil and water conservation activities in Watershed area so that the entire corpus of scheme becomes effective as well as transparent in working.

To focus on disadvantaged communities through equitable distribution of resources and sharing of benefits.


MISSION STRATEGIES

Participation:

The underlying theme in the implementation of the works under taken by the Mission is community participation. The functional basis of the programme implementation depends on empowered groups formed at the village level of various stakeholders and decision-making levels. The success of mission is dependent on the institutionalization of these village level community organizations and participation is the key to it. Peoples' participation is facilitated right from the planning stage to the stages of implementation and evaluation.

Facilitation:

The project implementing agencies (Government or Non Government Organizations) are ascribed the role of facilitators in the implementation of the programme wherein their task is to make available/inform the community the various options and assist them in coming up with appropriate solutions. This strategy is in consonance with the first strategy as it renders decision-making power to the local community and builds within it a sense of ownership of the programme.

Participatory Evaluation:

It is said that self-assessment is the best form of assessment. Participatory evaluation (Nirakh Parakh) is a form of evaluation in which the community itself evaluates the activities of the Watershed Committee. Community as it is directly associated with planning and implementation evaluates it's own work by involving all the stakeholders. This leads to the SWOT analysis (strength, weakness, opportunity, threat) of the entire range of activities carried out in the area thereby enhancing the scope of replication and rectification.

Drought proofing:

Soil and water conservation activities taken up under the Mission have a direct impact on enhancing the soil moisture content and water table of that area and regeneration of vegetative cover.

Gender Equity:

Integrated Development necessitates the participation of women at every stage. Self Help Groups and Women Thrift and Credit groups ensure participation of women at the activity level and the composition of village Watershed committee ensures at least 30% participation from women.

THRUST AREAS