Development of wastelands mainly in non-forest areas aimed at checking land degradation, putting such wastelands to SUSTAINABLE use and increasing bio-mass i.e. food, fuel wood, fodder, fruits, fiber and small timber. Degraded land which can be brought under vegetative cover, with reasonable effort, and which is currently under utilized and land which is deteriorating for lack of appropriate water and soil management or on account of natural causes.

Watershed development refers to the conservation, regeneration and the judicious use of all the natural resources i.e.  Land,  water, plants, animals and human – within the watershed area. Watershed Management tries to bring about the best possible balance in the environment between natural resources on the one side and man and animals on the other.

The basic objective of this scheme is an integrated wastelands development based on village/micro watershed plans. These plans are prepared after taking into consideration the land capability, site condition and local needs of the people.

The scheme also aims at rural employment besides enhancing the contents of people's participation in the wastelands development programmes at all stages, which is ensured by providing modalities for equitable and sustainable sharing of benefits and usufructs arising from such projects.

Integrated Waste land Development Programme in A.P. under gone a major change w.e.f 1995-96 with the introduction of new watershed guidelines prepared by Sri. Ch. Hanumantha Rao.

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