Watershed Department, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand State is well endowed with Forest and Water resources. More than 12,000 glaciers and 8 major river catchments act as the lifeline for the entire hydrological system of Indo-Gangetic plain. The ever increasing population, the need to provide a better quality of life to the people and the pressure on natural resources is further compounding the problem. Considering the magnitude of the problems, the Uttarakhand Government has realized the significance of taking up watershed based planning. A total of about 8 watersheds, 116 sub watersheds and 1110 Micro Watersheds have been identified in the state which are being taken up for regeneration and sustainable development, in phased manner. In the state , thrust has been given to integrated watershed development programms. A separate Directorates- Watershed Management Directorate ( WMD) has been established as a nodal agency for coordination, monitoring and implementation of integrated watershed development programms in the state.