The Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) was conceived during the Fourth Five Year Plan in India to mitigate the impacts of drought by providing employment opportunities and fostering the development of productive assets in regions susceptible to drought.
Initially focusing on labor-intensive civil works, the program later diversified its objectives to include various initiatives such as irrigation projects, land development programs, afforestation, and rural infrastructure development.
Class 12 Geography Notes Chapter 6 Drought Prone Area Programme
Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP)
The inception of this program occurred during the Fourth Five-Year Plan, aiming to generate employment in drought-prone regions and develop productive assets. Initially, the focus was on labor-intensive civil projects but later shifted towards irrigation schemes, land development initiatives, afforestation, grassland improvement, and the establishment of rural infrastructure like electricity, roads, markets, credit facilities, and services.
A review by the National Committee on Development of Backward Areas highlighted the program’s concentration on agricultural and allied sectors, particularly in restoring ecological equilibrium. However, due to population growth pressuring marginal lands for agriculture and leading to ecological degradation, there’s a need for alternative employment opportunities in drought-prone regions. Additionally, strategies for these areas should include integrated watershed development approaches at the micro-level, prioritizing the restoration of ecological balance among water, soil, vegetation, and human and animal populations.
Identified by the Planning Commission of India in 1967 and further delineated by the Irrigation Commission in 1972 using criteria like 30% irrigated area, drought-prone areas in India primarily span semi-arid and arid regions. These include parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalseema and Telangana plateaus, Karnataka plateau, and interior Tamil Nadu. The irrigation spread has largely shielded drought-prone regions in Punjab, Haryana, and northern Rajasthan from severe impacts.
The development process in the tribal area of Bharmaur commenced in the 1970s when the Gaddis were officially recognized as ‘scheduled tribes’. As part of the Fifth Five Year Plan, the tribal sub-plan was introduced in 1974, designating Bharmaur as one of the five Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) in Himachal Pradesh. The objective of this area development plan was to enhance the quality of life of the Gaddis and bridge the development gap between Bharmaur and other regions of Himachal Pradesh.
Located between latitudes 32° 11’ N and 32°41’ N and longitudes 76° 22’ E and 76° 53’E, Bharmaur spans an area of approximately 1,818 sq km, with elevations ranging from 1,500 m to 3,700 m above sea level. Surrounded by towering mountains such as Pir Panjal in the north and Dhaula Dhar in the south, the region is divided by the river Ravi and its tributaries—Budhil and Tundahen—into four physiographic divisions: Holi, Khani, Kugti, and Tundah areas. Bharmaur experiences freezing temperatures and snowfall during winter, with mean monthly temperatures of 4°C in January and 26°C in July.
The tribal sub-plan in Bharmaur has focused on developing infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, water supply, roads, telecommunications, and electricity, with priority given to villages along the river Ravi in Holi and Khani areas. However, infrastructure in remote villages in Tundah and Kugti areas remains inadequate.
Socially, the ITDP has led to a significant increase in literacy rates, improvement in sex ratios, and a reduction in child marriages. Female literacy rates have notably risen from 1.88 per cent in 1971 to 65 per cent in 2011, contributing to a decline in gender inequality. Traditionally reliant on subsistence agriculture and pastoralism, the Gaddis have seen an increase in the cultivation of pulses and cash crops in the past three decades, albeit using traditional farming methods. While pastoralism’s economic significance has diminished, a considerable number of Gaddis still migrate to Kangra and nearby areas during winter for wage labor.
Case Study– Integrated Tribal Development Project in Bharmaur* Region
The Bharmaur tribal area, consisting of Bharmaur and Holi tehsils in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, has been designated as a tribal region since November 21, 1975. It is primarily inhabited by the ‘Gaddi’ tribal community, known for their distinct cultural practices such as transhumance and the use of the Gaddiali dialect.
Characterized by harsh climatic conditions, limited resources, and a fragile environment, the Bharmaur region has significantly shaped the societal and economic aspects of the area. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Bharmaur subdivision was 39,113, with a population density of 21 persons per square kilometer. It is recognized as one of the most economically and socially underdeveloped areas in Himachal Pradesh. The Gaddis have historically faced geographical, political, and socio-economic challenges, leading to their isolation and deprivation.
The local economy predominantly relies on agriculture and related activities, including sheep and goat rearing.
Challenges and Strategies
One of the major challenges facing DPAP is the ecological degradation caused by population pressure and unsustainable agricultural practices in drought-prone regions. To address this, the programme advocates for the creation of alternative employment opportunities and the promotion of sustainable land use practices. Integrated watershed development approaches are highlighted as essential strategies for restoring ecological balance and promoting the harmonious coexistence of water, soil, plants, and human populations in these areas.
Evaluation and Future Directions
The effectiveness of DPAP in achieving its objectives has been subject to review and evaluation by various governmental bodies. While the programme has made significant strides in agricultural and rural development, there remains a need for continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving challenges. Future iterations of DPAP may need to incorporate innovative solutions, leverage technological advancements, and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to ensure sustained progress in drought mitigation and rural development.
Conclusion
The Drought Prone Area Programme represents a concerted effort by the Indian government to address the socio-economic and environmental challenges associated with drought in vulnerable regions. By combining employment generation with sustainable development interventions, DPAP aims to build resilience and enhance the well-being of communities living in drought-prone areas. However, ongoing evaluation and adaptation are essential to ensure the programme’s continued relevance and effectiveness in the face of changing climatic conditions and socio-economic dynamics.
Chapter 6 Drought Prone Area Programme: FAQs
What is the Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP)?
The DPAP is a government initiative launched during the Fourth Five Year Plan in India aimed at mitigating the impacts of drought in vulnerable regions. It focuses on providing employment opportunities, creating productive assets, and fostering rural development in areas prone to drought.
How are drought-prone areas identified for DPAP implementation?
Drought-prone areas are identified based on various criteria, including recommendations from bodies like the National Committee on Development of Backward Areas and the Irrigation Commission. These areas are primarily located in semi-arid and arid regions of states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
What are the primary objectives of DPAP?
The main objectives of DPAP include providing employment opportunities, creating productive assets, and restoring ecological balance in drought-prone regions. Additionally, the programme aims to promote sustainable agriculture, alleviate poverty, and enhance livelihood security in affected communities.
What strategies are employed under DPAP to address drought challenges?
DPAP employs various strategies such as the development of irrigation projects, land development programmes, afforestation, and rural infrastructure creation. It also advocates for the adoption of integrated watershed development approaches to ensure sustainable resource management and ecological restoration.
How is the effectiveness of DPAP evaluated, and what are the future directions?
The effectiveness of DPAP is periodically evaluated by governmental bodies to assess its impact on rural development and drought mitigation. Future directions may include incorporating innovative solutions, leveraging technology, and strengthening partnerships to address evolving challenges and ensure sustained progress in drought-prone areas.
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