Major watersheds of Nepal
a) Mahakali watershed
b) Karnali watershed
c) Narayani
d) Koshi
- Medium rivers like Babai, West Rapti, Bagmati, Kamala, Kankai and Mechi originate in middle mountains of Mahabharat Range and make their own watersheds.
Causes of watershed deterioration
- Faulty agriculture, forestry and pasture management
- Fire
- Unscientific mining
- Faulty road alignment and construction
- Industrialization
- Poor return from agricultural land
- Increased erosion hazards
- Poor water yield in terms of quantity and quality
- Poverty
Consequences of watershed deterioration
- Poor return from agricultural land
- Increased erosion hazards
- Poor water yield in terms of quantity and quality
- Poverty
The objectives of watershed management
- Improving the ability of land to hold water
- Rainwater harvesting and recharging
- Growing greenery – trees, crops and grasses
- Preventing accelerated erosion and thereby conserving soil and water
- Check sedimentation hazards
- Availability of regular water supply for human consumption and industry
Advantages of watershed approach
- Environmentally friendly
- Saves time and money
- Greater peoples participation