Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context

Chapter: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context

1. Meaning of Planning

Planning refers to a systematic and organized process of making decisions about future actions.
It includes:

• Setting goals

• Formulating policies

• Mobilizing resources

• Implementing developmental programmes

Types of Planning

1. Perspective Planning

   • Long-term (20–25 years)

   • Provides overall vision of development

   • Example: Five-Year Plans

2. Short-term / Annual Planning

   • For 1–5 years

   • Focuses on immediate objectives

3. Sectoral Planning

   • Development of individual sectors

   • Example: agriculture, industry, transport

4. Regional Planning

   • Development of a specific region

   • Helps reduce regional imbalances

2. Need for Planning in India

• Vast population

• Limited resources

• Regional disparities

• Poverty and unemployment

• Need for balanced development

• Environmental degradation

3. Planning in the Post-Independence Period

India adopted planned economic development after 1950.

Five-Year Plans (Highlights)

• 1st Five-Year Plan (1951–56):
  Priority to agriculture, irrigation

• 3rd Plan:
  Industrialization, self-reliance

• 4th Plan:
  Growth with stability & progressive reduction of inequalities

• 6th to 8th Plans:
  Focus on modernization & poverty alleviation

• After 2015:
  Five-year plans discontinued; NITI Aayog replaced Planning Commission

4. Sustainable Development

Meaning:
Development that meets present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Key Features

• Long-term perspective

• Conservation of resources

• Ecological balance

• Social justice

• Reduction of regional inequalities

Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

1. Economic Sustainability

2. Environmental Sustainability

3. Social Sustainability

5. Need for Sustainable Development in India

• Increasing pollution

• Overuse of natural resources

• Decline in forest cover

• Loss of biodiversity

• Climate change impacts

• Population pressure

6. Strategies for Sustainable Development

(a) Environmental Strategies

• Afforestation

• Soil conservation

• Water harvesting

• Rainwater conservation

• Proper waste management

• Renewable energy (solar, wind)

(b) Economic Strategies

• Mixed economy

• Green technologies

• Efficient land use

• Promotion of small-scale industries

(c) Social Strategies

• Eradication of poverty

• Literacy and awareness

• Gender equality

• Community participation

7. Case Study: Indira Gandhi Canal Project

A major example of regional development planning.

Features

• Located in north-western Rajasthan

• Brings water from Sutlej and Beas rivers

• Converts desert land into agricultural land

Objectives

• Increase agricultural productivity

• Stop desertification

• Provide drinking water

• Improve living conditions

Impact

• Green revolution in Rajasthan

• Development of new towns

• Increase in employment

• But also challenges like waterlogging and salinization

8. Hill Area Development Programme

• Targets hilly and tribal regions

• Focus on agriculture, horticulture, tourism

• Conservation of forests

• Infrastructure development

9. Drought-Prone Area Programme (DPAP)

• Started in 1973

• Objective: Reduce effects of drought

• Works on:

  • Water harvesting

  • Afforestation

  • Soil conservation

  • Dryland agriculture

10. Need for Regional Planning in India

• Huge regional inequalities

• Backward areas need special attention

• Balanced development ensures:

  • Social stability

  • Economic fairness

  • Efficient use of resources

1. What is sustainable development?

Answer:
Sustainable development refers to a development strategy that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims at economic growth, environmental protection, and social justice.

2. What are the main objectives of planning in India?

Answer:

• Economic growth

• Reduction of inequalities

• Poverty alleviation

• Modernization of economy

• Balanced regional development

3. Mention two features of regional planning.

Answer:

1. Focuses on specific geographical regions

2. Aims to reduce regional disparities and utilize regional resources efficiently

4. Write any two strategies for sustainable development.

Answer:

• Use of renewable energy

• Soil and water conservation

• Afforestation

• Proper waste management

Long Answer Type

5. Explain the importance of planning in India.

Answer:
Planning is essential for India due to its large population, limited resources, and regional imbalances. Through planning, resources can be distributed efficiently. It helps in poverty reduction, enhancing employment, boosting agriculture and industry, and ensuring overall balanced development. Planning also helps integrate environmental protection with development goals.

6. Describe the major features and impacts of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project.

Answer:
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project brings water from the Hari-Ke-Barrage on the Sutlej river into the arid regions of Rajasthan.
Features:

• Longest irrigation canal system

• Supplies drinking and irrigation water

• Helps in desert reclamation

Impacts:

• Increase in agricultural production

• Development of new settlements

• Increase in employment

• Environmental improvement
  However, it also caused problems like waterlogging and salinity, requiring proper management.

7. What steps should be taken for sustainable development in India?

Answer:

• Afforestation and forest conservation

• Efficient use of land and water

• Promotion of renewable energy

• Reduce pollution through strict laws

• Waste recycling and management

• Encouraging public participation

• Adoption of eco-friendly technologies

These steps help protect the environment while ensuring economic and social welfare.

8. Describe the concept of sustainable development and explain its importance in India.

Answer:
Sustainable development is a process that focuses on meeting present needs without harming the ability of future generations. It integrates economic growth, social equality, and environmental protection.

Importance in India:

• High population pressure on resources

• Increasing pollution and climate change

• Depletion of forests and biodiversity

• Need for long-term water and food security

• Ensures balanced development across regions

Thus, sustainable development is essential for maintaining ecological balance, ensuring economic stability, and improving quality of life.