Watershed management basically refers to efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources. It involves prevention of runoff and storage and recharge of groundwater through various methods like percolation tanks, recharge wells, etc.

In a broader sense, watershed management includes conservation, regeneration and judicious use of all resources – natural (like land, water, plants and animals) and human within a watershed. It aims at bringing about balance between natural resources on one hand and society on the other.

Yes, watershed management can play an important role in sustainable development. Through this integrated water resource management approach, water availability can be ensured on sustainable basis. It helps in rejuvenating environment and economy. The Central and State Governments have initiated many watershed development programmes like Haryali, which aims at enabling rural population to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries and afforestation.

The success of watershed development largely depends upon community participation. The case study of Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra demonstrates how watershed development transformed a village caught in poverty into a model village through voluntary labour and people's participation.

There is a need to generate awareness regarding benefits of watershed development among people in the country to ensure sustainable development for future generations.