Consider the following statements: 1. Watershed management refers to the effective management and conservation of surface resources only. 2. Rainwater harvesting improves the quality of groundwater through the dilution of contaminants like fluoride. 3. In Assam, a rainwater harvesting structure is locally known as Kund. Choose the correct code from the list below.

The correct answer is 2 only Key Points Watershed Management Watershed management refers to the efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources. Hence Statement 1 is Incorrect. It involves the prevention of runoff and storage and recharge of groundwater through various methods like percolation tanks, recharge wells , etc. It includes conservation, regeneration and judicious use of all resources – natural (like land, water, plants and animals). Aims at bringing about a balance between natural resources on the one hand and society on the other. The success of watershed development largely depends upon community participation. Initiatives : Haryali is a watershed development project which aims at enabling the rural population to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries and afforestation. Neeru-Meeru (Water and You) programme (in Andhra Pradesh) and Arvary Pani Sansad (in Alwar, Rajasthan) have taken up constructions of various water-harvesting structures such as percolation tanks, dug-out ponds (Johad), check dams, etc., through people’s participation. Tamil Nadu has made water harvesting structures in houses compulsory. Rainwater Harvesting Rainwater harvesting is a method to capture and store rainwater for various uses. It is also used to recharge groundwater aquifers . It is a low-cost and Eco-friendly technique for preserving every drop of water by guiding the rainwater to bore-well, pits and wells. Rainwater harvesting increases water availability , checks the declining groundwater table , improves the quality of groundwater through dilution of contaminant s, like fluoride and nitrates. Hence Statement 2 is Correct. Prevents soil erosion, and flooding and arrests saltwater intrusion in coastal areas if used to recharge aquifers. Traditional rainwater harvesting in rural areas is done by using surface storage bodies, like lakes, ponds, irrigation tanks, etc. In Rajasthan, Rainwater Harvesting Structures locally known as Kund or Tanka (a covered underground tank) are constructed near or in the house or village to store harvested rainwater. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.