Environmental and Agricultural Impacts of Watershed Management in Thanagazi Tehsil, Alwar District

Abstract

This paper evaluates the environmental and agricultural effects of watershed management in Thanagazi Tehsil of Alwar District. The study combines primary and secondary information, including a stratified random sample of 100 households in the Rajpura micro-watershed, field visits, questionnaires, discussions with watershed institutions and officials, and comparative evidence from Sanwatsar, Jhiri and Bhawanta Kalan. Three hypotheses are examined: the role of physical terrain and human interference in landlivestock-livelihood-watershed interaction; the influence of the watershed programme on land, livestock and livelihood patterns; and the contribution of additional water resources to cropping concentration, diversification, society and environment. The results show additional surface-water storage of 9,299 m3 in Sanwatsar and 12,943 m3 in Jhiri, higher average water levels in watershed villages, and longer wellwater availability. Gross agricultural land-use area increased from 1,792.5 ha to 2,268.50 ha, while fodder registered the largest crop-specific increase at 62.07%. Livestock composition was dominated by goats at 55.06%. The findings indicate a positive but spatially differentiated watershed effect. Poor maintenance, damaged structures, siltation, groundwater pumping and incomplete treatment constrained environmental gains. Watershed management improved water availability and agricultural use; however, long-term sustainability requires regular maintenance, water budgeting, treatment of upper catchments and active community participation.