Watershed Management Practices In Hilly Region

In mountainous areas, watershed management techniques are essential for maintaining the ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, and guaranteeing a steady supply of water for both home and agricultural usage. Because of the increased risk of landslides and erosion in hilly places, effective watershed management is essential. The following are important techniques and tactics for managing watersheds in mountainous area: 8 Identifying the potential natural water sources :

• Appropriately locate the reservoir position
• Segment wise water distribution
• Modified jhum Cultivation
• Riser
• Spillage
• Siphoning

Identifying the potential natural water sources

In hilly areas, effective watershed management is essential for preserving water supplies, controlling erosion, and promoting sustainable development. It is crucial to locate prospective water sources in these places. In hilly areas, these are frequently the main water sources. Water ecosystem health maintenance, riparian buffer zones, and erosion prevention are a few examples of proper management practices. Hilly areas frequently include a large number of springs, which are important sources of pure, untreated water. A steady supply of water can be made possible by safeguarding spring sources and regulating their catchment areas. Rainwater harvesting devices, such as roof rainwater collection and storage tanks, can help gather and store rainwater for home and agricultural use due to the erratic nature of rainfall in mountainous terrain. In hilly places, wetlands serve as natural water regulators and filters. Water quality can be improved and habitat for wildlife can be provided by preserving and restoring wetlands. Small reservoirs or dams can be built in advantageous places to store water for use in hydroelectric power generating, agriculture, and other applications.

Appropriately locate the reservoir position

In a hilly area, the location of a reservoir for effective watershed management requires careful planning and consideration of a number of issues. Where it can effectively catch runoff and precipitation, the reservoir should be placed inside the watershed's main catchment region. It is crucial to examine the region's hydrology, including rainfall patterns and the movement of streams and rivers. Think about the terrain of the hilly area. In valleys or depressions where water naturally collects, reservoirs are frequently found. Gravity-fed distribution systems may benefit from being located in high-elevation areas.

Segment wise water distribution

For effective watershed management in a mountainous area, the watershed must be divided into separate segments or zones based on terrain, land use, hydrology, and the particular objectives of watershed management. This strategy enables the focused and efficient management of water resources across the watershed.

Modified Jhum Cultivation

When conducted responsibly, modified jhum agriculture, sometimes referred to as shifting cultivation, can contribute to watershed management. Use contour farming methods to promote water retention in the watershed and decrease runoff. Encourage neighborhood-based watershed management techniques to promote fair benefits and sustainable land usage. Modified jhum cultivation can be used into comprehensive watershed management strategies that balance agricultural requirements with environmental preservation by combining these methods.

Riser

A "riser" in the context of watershed management is often a device or method for controlling water flow, frequently connected to irrigation systems and water distribution. A watershed's effective water management may depend on the usage of risers. The first is irrigation systems. Risers are frequently used in irrigation systems in agriculture to raise sprinkler heads or drip emitters above the ground. This makes it possible to distribute water to crops more evenly, reducing waste and providing enough coverage. An effective water use system within a watershed depends on risers that are planned and spaced properly.

Spillage

In order to avoid flooding, erosive conditions, and other negative effects within a watershed, spill practices in watershed management entail the regulated release or diversion of excess water. These procedures aim to efficiently manage water flow while causing the least amount of harm to the environment and infrastructure.

Siphoning

Siphoning can contribute to watershed management by assisting in the regulation of water levels or rerouting water for different uses. For instance, during periods of intense rainfall, siphoning extra water out of a watershed can assist prevent floods downstream. To ensure optimal water use, siphoning water from a watershed can be utilized to irrigate agricultural fields under controlled conditions.

Importance

• Due to their steep slopes and frequent rains, hilly areas are prone to soil erosion. By putting into practice techniques like terracing, reforestation, and soil conservation activities, watershed management aids in reducing erosion.
• Not only makes the cost less but also makes the cost zero.
• Water can be stored in dry season.
• Water is available in upper slope.
• Water can be stored and distributed according to required the amount.
• Flash floods are common in hilly areas, especially during monsoon seasons.
• Increasing crop yields and soil fertility.
• By preserving the natural ecosystem while also maintaining these places' aesthetic attractiveness, watershed management helps these locations appeal to tourists.

Conclusion

For Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts to have sustainable crop production, soil protection and watershed management are essential. Due to its topography, temperature, and vulnerable ecosystems, this region with a varied ecological system faces particular difficulties. To address these issues and advance agricultural sustainability, it is crucial to adopt soil conservation and watershed management measures successfully.

Farmers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts can reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility by implementing different soil conservation techniques such contour farming, terracing, and agroforestry. These techniques not only stop soil erosion but also improve soil's ability to retain water, which is essential for supporting agricultural output all year long, but especially during the dry season. The preservation of the area's natural balance depends heavily on effective management of the watershed. Communities can guarantee a steady and dependable supply of water for irrigation and other agricultural requirements by preserving and safeguarding the watersheds. Additionally, it aids in lowering the risk of landslides and soil erosion, which are frequent in the Chittagong Hill Tracts' mountainous terrain. Involving local people and giving them the tools and training they need to implement sustainable agricultural methods is crucial for the success of projects for soil conservation and watershed management. Additionally, government organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) ought to work together to offer technical assistance, financial assistance, and legislative frameworks that promote and reward the adoption of these practices. In conclusion, sustainable crop production is not only feasible but also essential for preserving the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh's distinctive ecosystems and ensuring the livelihoods of the indigenous populace. This sustainability strategy's primary elements include soil conservation and watershed management, whose effective application can boost food security, agricultural output, and the long-term wellbeing of the local populace.

Reference

• Bala, B. K., Hossain, S. M. A., Haque, M. A., Majumder, S., & Hossain, M. A. (2010). Management of agricultural systems of the upland of Chittagong Hill Tracts for sustainable food security. Summary of the Research Progress. NFPCSP, FAO, Dhaka, 4.
• Ahmed, M. U. S. F. I. Q. U. E., Anwar, R. I. F. A. T., & Hossain, M. A. (2013). Opportunities and limitations in practicing rainwater harvesting systems in Bangladesh. Int J Civil Eng, 2(4), 67-74.
• Soil Degradation, Conservation and Remediation by Khan Towhid Osman (2013)