Urban development refers to the process of growth and improvement in the infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities within towns and cities. In India, urban development has been a critical aspect of national planning due to rapid urbanization, increasing population, and the growing importance of cities in the economy. 1. Trends of Urbanization in India India’s …
India’s island territories, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Minicoy, are unique and ecologically sensitive areas that require special attention in terms of their development. The remote location, fragile ecosystems, and cultural diversity of these territories pose significant challenges to their economic and social development. This article provides an overview of the challenges …
Regional planning in India represents a comprehensive approach to addressing spatial inequalities, promoting balanced development, and optimizing resource utilization across diverse geographical regions. This systematic approach to territorial development has evolved from addressing immediate post-independence challenges to sophisticated frameworks that integrate economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. The complexity of India’s geographical diversity, cultural …
Multi level planning in India is a crucial component of India’s planning process, which involves the role of planning institutions at the national, state, and local levels. The planning process in India is characterized by a hierarchical structure, with the NITI Aayog at the national level, State Planning Boards at the state level, and District …
Tribal areas in India are inhabited by millions of indigenous communities who possess distinct cultures, languages, and traditional knowledge systems. Spread across forested, hilly, and remote regions, these areas are rich in natural resources and cultural diversity. However, they also face several social, economic, and environmental challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and inadequate infrastructure. Therefore, effective …
Hill areas in India are ecologically sensitive zones that not only support a rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, but also provide critical ecosystem services such as water regulation, climate moderation, and soil protection. These areas include regions in the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and North-Eastern hill states. However, hill areas also face numerous challenges …
Drought-prone areas in India are regions that experience irregular rainfall patterns and low water availability, often resulting in agricultural distress, economic losses, and vulnerability among rural populations. These areas are mostly located in semi-arid and arid regions such as parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Planning for such areas is …
Desert areas in India, especially the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, represent one of the most ecologically fragile and economically challenged regions in the country. Characterized by extreme aridity, scarce vegetation, low rainfall, and frequent droughts, these regions require specialized planning strategies to ensure sustainable development, livelihood support, and ecological balance. Geographical Context India’s primary desert …
Backward areas in India, also referred to as underdeveloped or deprived regions, are marked by low economic growth, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services such as health, education, and sanitation. These areas demand focused planning and policy interventions to ensure balanced regional development and uplift the standard of living of the population. What …
Watershed management is an important and holistic approach to managing natural resources in a sustainable manner. In a country like India, where agriculture forms the backbone of rural livelihoods and where diverse topography and climatic variability pose constant challenges, watershed management has emerged as a vital strategy for achieving sustainable rural development. What is Watershed …