Always look out for the exact phrasing:
- Nouns like "Programme" or "Project" are often swapped in options.
- In national policy contexts, "IWDP" refers to the Integrated Watershed (or Wasteland) Development Programme.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Watershed management involves the coordinated planning and development of a watershed area.
It aims to conserve water, control soil erosion, and improve agricultural productivity and local livelihoods. Detailed Explanation:
The acronym IWDP has a specific designation in government development initiatives:
- IWDP stands for the Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (often associated with watershed development principles).
- In the context of watershed management, it is also widely known as the Integrated Watershed Development Programme.
- This flagship program was launched by the Government of India to restore ecological balance, conserve natural resources, and boost rural employment by developing degraded watersheds.
- The program was later merged with other watershed initiatives to form the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in 2009, which is now part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
- Reviewing the options, Option (C) correctly spells out "Integrated watershed development programme". Step 2: Final Answer:
IWDP stands for the Integrated Watershed Development Programme.
