Evaluation of integrated watershed management projects in their first phase of development experiences and suggestions

Evaluation of 45 IWMP in first phase of their implementation was done by National Reserach Centre for Agroforestry, Jhansi in 2012–13. These projects started in 2009–10 and 2010–11. Department of Land Development and Water Resources, Uttar Pradesh is projected implementing for these projects. The projects are being developed as per common guidelines of watershed management, 2008 issued by GOL The evaluation proforma for the purpose was developed by Department of Land Resources, GOL IWMP units of Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri, Firozabad, Bijnor, Rampur, Sambhal, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur and Banda were evaluated by the team of NRCAF, Jhansi. During the course of evluation, it was found that entry point activities were quite helpful in establishing identy of project implementing agency in the watershed. Village level institutions have been constituted but lack of awareness was obvious in such institutions. This was further confirmed by low expenditure under this head and limited number of trained personnel in watershed. Impact of technical man power support to project implementing agency was partially successful because experts were not fully devoted in watershed area rather they were frequently attached to office. Every project has prepared detailed project report and the same was duly approved by competent authority. However, changes in detalied project report though felt but not incorporated so far. There is a need to take up this initiative. Humble beginning in soil and water conservation works (major component of watershed development) was observed in all projects. The projects appear to be proceeding in right direction during first phase of there implementation. Evluation of projects at different phases of implementation provides opportunity for midterm correction and analysis of project progress. Currently wathershed evluation is being done by various agencies. With a view to bring homogenity in evluation, need to organize a group meeting of evaluators was realized. Common guidelines suggest that all documents related to watershed development should be prepared by watershed committee, office bearers particularly secretary and president and they should be maintained at watershed level. This needs to be seriously expedited, so that work quality and transparency both are achieved simultaneously.