Key Points

Planning has two main approaches: Sectoral planning, which focuses on developing different sectors of the economy like agriculture and industry, and Regional planning, which aims to reduce regional imbalances in development.

India initially adopted centralized planning under the Planning Commission. On January 1, 2015, it was replaced by the NITI Aayog to involve states more in economic policy making.

To address regional disparities, the Planning Commission introduced 'target area' planning for economically backward areas and 'target group' planning for specific disadvantaged groups like small and marginal farmers.

Initiated during the Fifth Five Year Plan, this programme aimed to develop hilly areas by harnessing indigenous resources like horticulture, agriculture, and animal husbandry, focusing on their unique ecological and social conditions.

This programme was started in the Fourth Five Year Plan to provide employment and create productive assets in drought-affected areas. It later emphasized irrigation, afforestation, and restoring ecological balance.

The Bharmaur region in Himachal Pradesh is home to the 'Gaddi' tribal community. It is an economically and socially backward area with a harsh climate and an economy based on agriculture and pastoralism.

In 1974, Bharmaur was included in the ITDP under the Fifth Five Year Plan. The project aimed to improve the quality of life for the Gaddis and reduce the development gap with other areas.

The ITDP led to a significant increase in the literacy rate, especially female literacy (from 1.88% in 1971 to 65% in 2011), an improved sex ratio, and a decline in child marriage.

The concept of development evolved from being synonymous with economic growth (increase in GNP) to including social aspects like equity, well-being, health, and education by the 1980s.

The Brundtland Commission Report 'Our Common Future' (1987) defined sustainable development as a 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.'

Previously known as the Rajasthan Canal, it is one of India's largest canal systems. It originates at Harike barrage in Punjab and irrigates the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan.

The canal transformed the region's ecology by increasing available soil moisture, leading to afforestation, greening of the land, increased cultivated area, and higher agricultural productivity.

Intensive irrigation and excessive water use have caused significant environmental problems, primarily waterlogging and soil salinity, which threaten the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the area.

Key measures include strict water management, avoiding water-intensive crops, lining water courses to reduce water loss, reclaiming saline land, and promoting eco-development through afforestation and pasture development.