Question

Given below are the two statements.
Statement I: Maps of soils, contours, slopes, present land uses, proposed land uses, proposed conservation structures, cropping patterns, and other such factors are bare pre-requisites for planning and developing any watershed management program
Statement II: Benchmark surveying and participatory rural appraisal surveying are two important exercises to be done before the initiation of a watershed project
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Watershed planning requires both technical spatial mapping (soil, slope, contours) and participatory social appraisal (PRA).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) planning integrates GIS thematic base maps with socio-economic Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) baseline surveys.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement I: Scientific master planning of a watershed project requires comprehensive spatial base maps: topographic contours, slope categories, soil capability, existing and proposed land-use/land-cover, and drainage structure locations. Hence, Statement I is true.
2. Statement II: Baseline benchmark socio-economic surveys and community Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) are mandatory pre-project exercises to assess indigenous resource management and ensure stakeholder participation. Hence, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, Both Statement I and Statement II are true, matching option (A).