b) Strategy 2: Sustainable Development based on Watershed Management

A watershed, also called a drainage basin or catchment area, is defined as an area in which all water flowing into, goes to a common outlet. People and livestock are the integral part of watershed and their activities affect the productive status of watersheds and vice-versa. From the hydrological point of view, the different phases of hydrological cycle in a watershed are dependent on the various natural features and human activities. In hilly areas or where intensive agriculture development is planned, the size of watershed preferred is relatively small. Watershed managements, that is, river basin management also is important in the context of regional planning both in terms of, as a source of water and sources of disaster risk like flood, etc. Efforts shall be made to achieve a balance between beneficiary oriented and infrastructural development programmes, keeping in view the vital importance of ecological restoration and conservation. This may be achieved through,

1. better water and land use and control of soil erosion through watershed management;

2. afforestation, silvi pasture development and replacement of annual crops with perennial shrubs and trees and plantation crops in steep slopes and development of other high value low volume crops linked with processing and marketing; and

3. rural and small industries and electronic

and precision instruments industries may also be promoted taking advantage of favourable weather conditions.

To understand watershed system, data from latest and authentic sources should be collected, simulation models may be used to analyze (drainage pattern modification) scenarios before Development Plan Preparation and formulating building regulations.

F-1.3 In hill areas, the space standards are affected by the following and therefore these factors should be considered while setting norms in such areas:

a) Exposure to sunlight, degree of slopes and

accessibility in the form of distance travelled;

b) Minimum needs of the people and the conservation principle;

c) Flexibility in norms and standards to accommodate conditions guided by difficult hill terrain and its geology;

d) Work place and residence relationship;

e) Energy needs;

f) Alternative mode of transportation communication network;

g) Communication network; and

h) Mobile and emergency facilities.