Planning and sustainable development are cornerstones in India’s quest for economic progress, social equity, and environmental preservation. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the diverse approaches, programs, and initiatives that shape India’s development landscape.
The concept of ‘planning’ is commonly understood as the process of organizing and preparing for a specific purpose, whether it’s for studying for an exam or organizing a trip. In the context of this chapter, planning refers specifically to the process of economic development, involving thoughtful formulation of schemes or programs and their implementation to achieve desired goals. This approach differs from the more haphazard methods often seen in reforms and reconstruction efforts. Let us learn more!
Class 12 Geography Notes Chapter 6 Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context
Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context
The concept of ‘planning’ is commonly understood as the process of organizing and preparing for a specific purpose, whether it’s for studying for an exam or organizing a trip. In the context of this chapter, planning refers specifically to the process of economic development, involving thoughtful formulation of schemes or programs and their implementation to achieve desired goals. This approach differs from the more haphazard methods often seen in reforms and reconstruction efforts.
Planning can generally be categorized into two approaches: sectoral planning and regional planning. Sectoral planning involves formulating and executing schemes or programs aimed at developing various sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and social services.
Due to the uneven distribution of economic development across different regions within a country, planners need to adopt a spatial perspective to address regional imbalances. This type of planning, known as regional planning, aims to reduce disparities in development between different regions.
In India, the planning landscape underwent significant changes with the formation of NITI Aayog on 1st January 2015. Previously, centralised planning was adopted after Independence, but this evolved into decentralised multi-level planning over time. The Planning Commission, which was responsible for plan formulation at the central, state, and district levels, was replaced by NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog was established with the goal of involving states in economic policymaking and providing strategic and technical guidance to both central and state governments.
Target Area Planning
The planning process must pay particular attention to economically underdeveloped areas. Despite having access to resources, some regions still lag behind in economic growth. Economic development requires not only resources but also technology and investment. Over the course of about fifteen years of planning experience, it became evident that regional economic disparities were worsening. To address this issue, the Planning Commission introduced the ‘target area’ and target group approaches to planning.
Examples of programs aimed at developing target areas include the Command Area Development Programme, Drought Prone Area Development Programme, Desert Development Programme, and Hill Area Development Programme. Additionally, initiatives like the Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA) and Marginal Farmers Development Agency (MFDA) represent examples of target group programs. During the 8th Five Year Plan, special programs were devised to improve infrastructure in hill areas, northeastern states, tribal areas, and other economically disadvantaged regions.
Hill Area Development Programme
During the Fifth Five Year Plan, Hill Area Development Programmes were launched, encompassing 15 districts, which included all hilly districts of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), Mikir Hill and North Cachar hills of Assam, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. In 1981, the National Committee on the Development of Backward Area recommended that all hill areas in the country with elevations above 600 meters and not covered under tribal sub-plans should be considered backward hill areas.
Detailed development plans for these hill areas were formulated, taking into consideration their topographical, ecological, social, and economic conditions. These programs aimed to utilize the local resources of the hill areas by promoting horticulture, plantation, agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry farming, forestry, as well as small-scale and village industries.
Drought Prone Area Programme
The programme initiated during the Fourth Five Year Plan aimed to provide employment and create productive assets in drought-prone areas. Initially focusing on labor-intensive civil works, it later shifted towards irrigation projects, land development, afforestation, and rural infrastructure development. However, it primarily concentrated on agriculture and allied sectors, emphasizing ecological balance restoration. This strategy is crucial due to population pressure and ecological degradation on marginal lands.
For instance, in Bharmaur, a tribal region facing economic and social backwardness, development efforts began in the 1970s with the implementation of Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) during the Fifth Five Year Plan. ITDP aimed to enhance infrastructure and social services, leading to improved literacy rates, gender equality, and agricultural diversification. Despite declining reliance on traditional pastoralism, seasonal migration remains significant for livelihoods.
Sustainable Development
The term “development” refers to the state and process of changes experienced by societies, largely influenced by human-environment interactions, technology, and institutions. Initially focused on economic growth post-World War II, development evolved to include concepts of redistribution, equity, and overall well-being. By the 1980s, it encompassed widespread improvement in social and material well-being. Sustainable development emerged in response to environmental concerns, aiming to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It considers ecological, social, and economic aspects, ensuring conservation of resources for the common future of humanity.
Case Study Indira Gandhi Canal (Nahar) Command Area
The Indira Gandhi Canal, formerly known as the Rajasthan Canal, is among the largest canal systems in India. Conceived by Kanwar Sain in 1948, the project commenced on March 31, 1958. Originating from the Harike barrage in Punjab, it runs parallel to the Pakistan border at an average distance of 40 km in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Planned to span 9,060 km, it caters to irrigation needs across a total cultivable command area of 19.63 lakh hectares. Approximately 70 percent of the command area was intended for irrigation by flow system, with the remainder by lift system.
Constructed in two stages, Stage-I covers Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and the northern part of Bikaner districts, featuring gently undulating topography over a culturable command area of 5.53 lakh hectares. Stage-II spans Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Churu districts, encompassing a culturable command area of 14.10 lakh hectares, characterized by desert land with shifting sand dunes and extreme temperatures.
In Stage-I, canal irrigation began in the early 1960s, while Stage-II saw irrigation introduction in the mid-1980s. This introduction has transformed the region’s ecology, economy, and society, impacting environmental conditions positively and negatively. Increased soil moisture and afforestation programs have led to greening and reduced wind erosion, but intensive irrigation has resulted in waterlogging and soil salinity issues.
Canal irrigation has notably altered the agricultural economy, expanding cultivated areas and cropping intensity. Traditional crops like gram, bajra, and jowar have been replaced by wheat, cotton, groundnut, and rice due to intensive irrigation. While initially boosting agricultural and livestock productivity, this intensity has led to long-term challenges of waterlogging and soil salinity, posing sustainability concerns for agriculture.
Measures for Promotion of Sustainable Development
Various scholars have raised concerns about the ecological sustainability of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, which have been substantiated by the region’s development trajectory over the past four decades, resulting in environmental degradation. Achieving sustainable development in the command area necessitates a significant focus on measures to restore ecological balance. Consequently, five out of the seven proposed measures to promote sustainable development in the command area are aimed at ecological restoration.
- Strict implementation of water management policies is crucial, with Stage-I emphasizing protective irrigation and Stage-II focusing on extensive crop irrigation and pasture development.
- The cropping pattern should generally avoid water-intensive crops, with encouragement for plantation crops like citrus fruits.
- Effective implementation of Canal Area Development (CAD) programs such as watercourse lining, land development, leveling, and equitable water distribution (warabandi system) to reduce water conveyance losses.
- Efforts should be made to reclaim areas affected by waterlogging and soil salinity.
- Eco-development initiatives such as afforestation, shelterbelt plantation, and pasture development are essential, particularly in the fragile environment of Stage-II.
- Social sustainability requires providing adequate financial and institutional support to land allottees with poor economic backgrounds for land cultivation.
- Economic sustainability cannot rely solely on agriculture and animal husbandry development. Diversification of the economic base is necessary, along with the establishment of functional linkages between villages, agro-service centers, and market centers.
Conclusion
India’s commitment to planning and sustainable development underscores its vision for inclusive growth, social justice, and environmental stewardship. By implementing targeted programs and embracing sustainable practices, India aims to build a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future for all its citizens.
Chapter 6 Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context: FAQs
What is the significance of target area planning in India’s development strategy?
Target area planning plays a crucial role in addressing regional disparities and promoting balanced economic growth across different regions of India. By focusing on economically backward areas, this approach aims to channel resources, technology, and investments effectively to uplift marginalized regions and communities.
How do sectoral and regional planning approaches differ in India’s development framework?
Sectoral planning involves the meticulous development of various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, while regional planning focuses on reducing regional disparities and fostering uniform economic growth across different geographical regions within the country.
What are some key development programs aimed at promoting sustainable development in India?
Several programs, such as the Command Area Development Program, Drought Prone Area Development Program, and Hill Area Development Program, target specific regions and address their unique developmental challenges. These programs aim to enhance infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life in these areas.
How has India’s planning perspective evolved over time?
India’s planning framework has evolved through various Five Year Plans, each tailored to achieve specific socio-economic objectives. These plans serve as blueprints for the country’s development trajectory, guiding policy decisions and resource allocations over defined timeframes.
What measures are being taken to promote sustainable development in large-scale development projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area?
Efforts to promote sustainable development in projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area include rigorous implementation of water management policies, promoting water-efficient cropping patterns, reclaiming areas affected by water logging and soil salinity, and providing financial and institutional support for sustainable agriculture and economic diversification.
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