Uttarakhand State is well endowed with Forest and Water resources. More than 12,000 glaciers and 8 major river catchments act as the lifeline for the entire hydrological system of Indo-Gangetic plain. The Himalayan Watersheds are under constant threat of mass wasting and erosion caused by depletion of forest cover, unscientific agronomic practices, hydrologic imbalances and natural calamities. The ever increasing population, the need to provide a better quality of life to the people and the pressure on natural resources is further compounding the problem. Considering the magnitude of the problems, the Uttarakhand Government has realized the significance of taking up watershed based planning. A total of about 8 watersheds, 116 sub watersheds and 1110 Micro Watersheds ( excluding Hardwar Distt.) have been identified in the state which are being taken up for regeneration and sustainable development, in phased manner. In the state , thrust has been given to integrated watershed development programmes. A separate Directorates- Watershed Management Directorate ( WMD) has been established as a nodal agency for coordination, monitoring and implementation of integrated watershed development programmes in the state. As a public service delivery organization which has to work closely for and with the community, WMD is working on the principles of good governance viz. transparency, accountability and responsiveness of administration.

Our Vision

To improve the productive potential of natural resources and increase incomes of rural inhabitants in degraded watersheds of the state through socially inclusive, institutionally and environmentally sustainable approaches.

Mission Statement

Holistic development f the degraded and rainfed areas of the state through integrated management of natural resources on participatory basis to achieve ecological balanced, income enhancement through increased livelihood opportunities, poverty alleviation welfare of vulnerable groups including women and landless, equity in benefit sharing and institutional strengthening through capacity building.
Uttarakhand State is well endowed with Forest and Water resources. More than 12,000 glaciers and 8 major river catchments act as the lifeline for the entire hydrological system of Indo-Gangetic plain.The Himalayan Watersheds are under constant threat of mass wasting and erosion caused by depletion of forest cover, unscientific agronomic practices, hydrologic imbalances and natural calamities. The ever increasing population, the need to provide a better quality of life to the people and the pressure on natural resources id further compounding the problem.

Watershed Management Directorate
1 Premier and pioneer organization in the state
2 Mandate and expertise to prepare watershed based projects
3 Repository of watershed related information


WMD Structure