UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Watershed management treats a drainage basin as a single ecological and hydrological unit. It aims to conserve soil and water, improve vegetative cover and enhance livelihoods through coordinated actions in that area. The approach considers upstream and downstream linkages so that interventions are environmentally sound and socially beneficial. Therefore, an integrated view of land and water resources within a watershed, as expressed in option C, correctly defines watershed management.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because focusing only on groundwater overlooks the interactions between rainfall, surface runoff, soil erosion and vegetation. Sustainable management requires attention to both surface and subsurface components of the hydrological cycle.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since watershed programmes usually emphasise smaller structures like contour bunds, check dams and farm ponds rather than only large dams. The goal is to manage land and water at local scales, not just to build big projects on major rivers.

Option C:
Option C is correct as it integrates conservation and development goals. It recognises that soil conservation, water harvesting and vegetation restoration together can support agriculture, reduce drought vulnerability and improve rural incomes.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because marine fisheries belong to coastal and ocean ecosystems, which are outside the usual scope of inland watershed projects. Different management frameworks are used for marine resources.