Implementing GitOps for Kubernetes Deployment Automation

Draft a comprehensive step-by-step guide on implementing GitOps for Kubernetes deployment automation. Ensure that the guide contains practical explanations on the following:

1. **Introduction to GitOps and Its Benefits**: Describe the concept of GitOps and how it can enhance deployment consistency and traceability through version-controlled infrastructure.

2. **Setting Up the Environment**: Explain how to prepare your environment, including necessary tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and GitHub Actions.

3. **Configuring Kubernetes for GitOps**: Provide instructions on configuring a Kubernetes cluster to work with GitOps, including security considerations and access management.

4. **Creating a Git Repository for Configurations**: Detail the process of setting up a Git repository to store Kubernetes manifests and configurations. Include how to organize files for scalability and maintenance.

5. **Implementing CI/CD Pipelines**: Outline how to set up continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines using GitOps principles, including sample YAML configurations for automation.

6. **Version Control and Rollbacks**: Explain how to manage version control using Git, and describe the process of rolling back deployments if needed.

7. **Monitoring and Observability**: Discuss strategies for monitoring deployments and infrastructure, using tools compatible with Kubernetes and GitOps.

Provide examples, diagrams, and specific command-line instructions where applicable, catering to both beginners and experienced DevOps engineers.