Passage Based Questions: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage  - 1

Passage: The Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) was initiated during the Fourth Five Year Plan with the objectives of providing employment to the people in drought-prone areas and creating productive assets. Initially, this programme laid emphasis on the construction of labour-intensive civil works. But later on, it emphasised on irrigation projects, land development programmes, afforestation, grassland development, and creation of basic rural infrastructure, such as electricity, roads, market, credit, and services. The National Committee on Development of Backward Areas reviewed the performance of this programme. It has been observed that this programme is largely confined to the development of agriculture and allied sectors with major focus on restoration of ecological balance. Since growing population pressure is forcing the society to utilise the marginal lands for agriculture, and, thereby causing ecological degradation, there is a need to create alternative employment opportunities in the drought-prone areas. The other strategies of development of these areas include adoption of integrated watershed development approach at the micro-level. The restoration of ecological balance between water, soil, plants, and human and animal population should be a basic consideration in the strategy of development of drought-prone areas.

Q1: Who was responsible for launching the Drought Prone Area Programme?
Ans: DPAP was the earliest area development programme launched by the Central Government.

Q2: What was the primary goal of this programme?
Ans: The basic objective of the programme was to minimise the adverse effects of drought on production of crops and livestock and productivity of land, water, and human resources ultimately leading to drought proofing of the affected areas.

Q3: Which body reviewed the performance of the DPAP?
Ans: National Committee on Development of Backward Areas.

Q4: What is another strategy used for the development of drought-prone areas?
Ans: Integrated watershed development approach.