In the context of NRDMS, any natural resource, which is important for local area development, is fit for study. Important is a mild term, when it comes to resources like water and land. Water and land management facilitates decentralisation and democratisation of the decision-making process, promotes accountability and encourages the integration of traditional knowledge with innovative scientific techniques.
While many approaches are considered for efficient land and water use planning, watershed approach is a well accepted coordinating framework. It brings together public and private sector efforts to address pressing problems within hydrologically defined geographic areas. It also covers all types of water resources viz., rainwater, groundwater and surface water. Moreover, this approach calls for collective employment of sound scientific data, tools and techniques and a participatory method, all of which are necessary for improving the economic status of the people, who are the main stakeholders.
Watershed approach involves:
1. Assessment and characterisation of natural resources
2. Goal setting and identification of environmental objectives based on the vulnerability of resources vis-à-vis the needs of the aquatic ecosystem and the people.