What is the name of scheme initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development for empowering the village community PRIS to undertake the area development programmes on watershed basis?

The correct answer is Haryali.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, launched the Haryali scheme in 2003.
• The scheme aims at empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to undertake watershed development programs.
• It focuses on conserving water, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Under this scheme, village communities are involved in planning and implementing projects related to soil and water conservation.

Additional Information

• Watershed Development
  • A watershed is an area of land that drains rainwater into a common outlet like a river, lake, or other bodies of water.
  • Watershed development involves managing the natural resources of a watershed to prevent soil erosion, improve water availability, and support sustainable agriculture.
  • This approach helps in combating drought and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
  • PRIs are local government bodies at the village level in India.
  • They play a critical role in the implementation of various development programs and schemes at the grassroots level.
  • PRIs facilitate community participation in decision-making processes related to rural development.
• Soil and Water Conservation
  • Soil conservation involves practices that prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.
  • Water conservation includes techniques to collect, store, and manage water efficiently to ensure its sustainable use.
  • Both soil and water conservation are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and agricultural productivity.