Geography | Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context (India – People and Economy)

Approaches to Planning:

1. Sectoral Planning Approach:
   • Focuses on the development of specific sectors such as agriculture, irrigation, manufacturing, power, construction, transport, communication, and social infrastructure.
   • Each sector has its own set of schemes or programs formulated and implemented for development.
2. Regional Planning Approach:
   • Aims to reduce regional disparities and promote uniform economic development.
   • Plans are drawn to address the unique needs and challenges of different regions.

Target Area Planning:

• Focuses on economically backward areas to promote balanced regional development.
• Target Area Programs:
  • Command Area Development Programme
  • Drought Prone Area Development Programme
  • Desert Development Programme
  • Hill Area Development Programme
• Target Group Programs:
  • Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA)
  • Marginal Farmers Development Agency (MFDA)

Planning Related to Area Development Programs:

1. Hill Area Development Programme:
   • Covers 15 districts, including all hilly districts of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), Mikir hills, North Cachar hills of Assam, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu.
   • Focuses on developing horticulture, plantation agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry, forestry, and small-scale industries.
   • Plans are based on topographical, ecological, economic, and social conditions.
2. Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP):
   • Started during the Fourth Five Year Plan.
   • Emphasizes generating employment and creating productive assets in drought-prone areas.
   • Prioritizes irrigation projects, land development, afforestation, grassland development, and rural infrastructure.

Integrated Tribal Development Project in Bharmaur Region:

• Bharmaur region is the homeland of the Gaddis and lies between the Pir Panjal and Dhaula Dhar ranges.
• The area faces harsh climatic conditions and low resource base, making it economically and socially backward.
• The Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) aims to improve the quality of life, reduce development disparities, and promote agricultural and allied activities.

Overview of Planning Perspective in India:

• India has centralized planning administered by the Planning Commission, headed by the Prime Minister.
• The Five Year Plans guide the country’s development strategy, addressing various economic, social, and environmental issues.

Sustainable Development:

• Emphasizes balancing economic, social, and ecological aspects to ensure resources are conserved for future generations.
• The concept gained prominence due to environmental concerns and was defined by the Brundtland Report as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Measures for Promoting Sustainable Development:

• Rigorous implementation of water management policies.
• Encouraging plantation crops to reduce water-intensive farming.
• Reclaiming areas affected by water logging and soil salinity.
• Promoting eco-development through afforestation and pasture development.
• Providing financial and institutional support for economically disadvantaged groups.

Promotion of Sustainable Development in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area:

• One of the largest canal systems in India, transforming desert areas into green land.
• Two stages of development: Stage I (Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Northern Bikaner) and Stage II (Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagpur, Churu).
• Positive effects include increased soil moisture and afforestation.
• Negative effects include water logging and soil salinity.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter “Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context – India People and Economy”

1. Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the Hill Area Development Programme in a specific region of India.
2. Research Project: Investigate the effectiveness of the Drought Prone Area Programme in addressing regional disparities.
3. Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the benefits and challenges of regional planning versus sectoral planning.
4. Chart Creation: Create a flowchart illustrating the different approaches and strategies for planning and sustainable development in India.
5. Role Play: Conduct a mock planning commission meeting where students represent different stakeholders discussing sustainable development strategies.

Conclusion

The chapter “Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context – India People and Economy” provides a comprehensive understanding of the approaches and strategies for planning and sustainable development in India. It highlights the importance of balancing economic, social, and environmental aspects to achieve long-term sustainability and equitable development.