Integrating forest management and Watershed health for Sustainable Water sources

¹ Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dundigal, Hyderabad, India
² Department of Computer Applications, New Horizon College of Engineering, Bangalore, India
³ Department of Civil Engineering, Mangalam College of Engineering, Kottayam, Kerala
⁴ Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
⁵ Lloyd Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306
⁶ Department of Structurals Techniques Engineering, College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
⁷ Lloyd Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh India-201306

^* Corresponding author: i.sumalatha@gmail.com

Abstract

This paper explores the complex relationship among forest management practices and watershed health, emphasizing the crucial function of forests in sustaining freshwater sources. It critiques various factors impacting watershed fitness, including land use changes, deforestation, and urbanization. The study conducted here highlights the importance of sustainable forest management practices, such as environment-based techniques and carbon sequestration, in retaining water quality and quantity. Additionally, it discusses the impact of forest composition on watershed health and the subsequent results on soil approaches, water quality, and biodiversity. The paper additionally addresses the challenges and strategies in handling watersheds, considering the socio-economic, environmental, and political aspects. The findings recommend that an incorporated technique regarding community participation, cross-sectorial coverage integration, and advanced management strategies can improve watershed health and make a contribution to global water security.