🧭 Introduction to Planning in India
Planning in India has been a crucial instrument for socio-economic development since independence. The planning process involves setting goals, formulating strategies, and allocating resources to achieve balanced regional development.
Planning: A systematic process of defining goals, formulating strategies, and outlining activities to achieve desired development objectives.
India adopted the Five-Year Plans model from 1951-2017, which was replaced by the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in 2015 to foster cooperative federalism.
NITI Aayog's Key Functions:
- Foster cooperative federalism
- Develop vision documents and strategies
- Monitor and evaluate program implementation
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
🌱 Sustainable Development Concepts
Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Report, 1987).
Three Pillars of Sustainability:
Environmental
- Resource conservation
- Pollution control
- Biodiversity protection
Economic
- Efficient resource use
- Green technologies
- Sustainable livelihoods
Social
- Poverty eradication
- Gender equality
- Social justice
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
India has committed to achieving 17 SDGs by 2030, including:
- No Poverty (SDG 1)
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
- Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
🗺️ Regional Planning Approaches
1. Target Area Planning
Focuses on specific backward regions through:
- Command Area Development Program (CADP)
- Drought Prone Area Program (DPAP)
- Desert Development Program (DDP)
- Hill Area Development Program (HADP)
2. Planning Regions in India
| Region | States Covered | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| National Capital Region | Delhi, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan | Urban planning, transportation |
| Damodar Valley Region | Jharkhand, West Bengal | River valley development |
| Bhakra-Nangal Region | Punjab, Haryana, HP | Irrigation and power |
| Kerala Backwaters | Kerala | Tourism and ecology |
📚 Case Studies
1. Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area (IGCCA)
Location: Thar Desert region of Rajasthan
Objectives:
- Provide irrigation to arid areas
- Reduce desertification
- Improve agricultural productivity
Outcomes:
- Transformed desert into agricultural land
- Increased cropping intensity from 6% to 84%
- Problems of waterlogging and salinity emerged
2. Hill Area Development Program (HADP)
Coverage: 15 states including Himalayan and Western Ghat regions
Strategies:
- Watershed management
- Afforestation and soil conservation
- Development of horticulture
- Promotion of eco-tourism
🌿 Sustainable Development Initiatives
Government Programs
- National Action Plan on Climate Change
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- National Solar Mission
- Swachh Bharat Mission
Community Initiatives
- Chipko Movement (Forest conservation)
- Amul Cooperative Model (Dairy development)
- Ralegan Siddhi (Watershed development)
- Appiko Movement (Western Ghat conservation)
Challenges in Sustainable Development:
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
- Population pressure on resources
- Climate change impacts
- Urban-rural disparities
📝 Important Questions
1. Explain the concept of sustainable development with reference to India's development planning.
(5 marks - Expected length: 150 words)
2. Differentiate between centralized and decentralized planning with suitable examples.
(3 marks - Expected length: 80 words)
3. Critically examine the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area development program.
(5 marks - Expected length: 150 words)
4. What are the objectives of Hill Area Development Program? Discuss its significance for sustainable development.
(3 marks - Expected length: 80 words)