Explain how ‘watershed management and rainwater harvesting’ are the methods of efficient management and conservation of surface water resources in India.

Water is a natural resource. But this resource is depleting constantly due to extensive usage.

There is a need to conserve this resource. Watershed management and rainwater harvesting are some of the methods to conserve water.

1. Watershed management refers to the conservation and efficient use of human and natural resources within a watershed.

2. It helps in recharging groundwater through percolation tanks.

3. For example, Haryali watershed management project helps the villagers to conserve water for all activities like drinking, irrigation, afforestation etc.,

4. Rainwater harvesting is done through lakes, ponds, rivers etc., traditionally.

5. Kunds, Tankas etc., are some of the rainwater harvesting structures that are seen in the houses of Rajasthan.

6. It helps in increasing the groundwater level and improving its quality and also in checking saltwater intrusion in coastal areas.

Thus watershed management and rainwater harvesting help in the management and conservation of water resources in India.