UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 27
What are the benefits of implementing the 'Integrated Watershed Development Programme'?
- Prevention of soil runoff
- Linking the country's perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
- Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
- Regeneration of natural vegetation
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: Integrated watershed management reduces runoff and erosion, improves water recharge and restores vegetation; it is not a national river-linking programme.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Soil and water conservation measures reduce erosive runoff.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Interlinking perennial and seasonal rivers is a separate large-scale engineering proposal.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Check dams, bunds and infiltration practices promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
Statement/Item 4: Correct - Afforestation and pasture management help regenerate natural vegetation.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2; omits correct statement/items 3, 4.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2; omits correct statement/item 1.
C: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2.