Published on 23 Feb 2025
The Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) is a government initiative launched during India's Fifth Five Year Plan to focus on the development of hilly regions. It aims to address the socio-economic challenges faced by these communities and promote sustainable growth.
Opportunities posed by hilly areas
Eco-Tourism: Promoting responsible tourism that minimizes environmental impact while showcasing local culture and handicrafts can generate income for communities.
Example: Munnar homestays offer immersive experiences while using local materials and composting waste.
Adventure Tourism: Trekking, mountain biking, and other adventure activities can attract tourists who appreciate the natural beauty of the hills, creating jobs for locals as guides and support staff.
Example: Spiti Valley treks promote "leave no trace" principles and support wildlife conservation initiatives.
Herbal Cultivation: The unique climate of hill areas can be ideal for cultivating high-value medicinal plants and herbs, offering a sustainable source of income.
Example: Community-managed farms in Darjeeling cultivate medicinal plants like Darjeeling Valerian using organic methods.
Watershed Management: Conservation efforts focusing on soil and water management can improve agricultural productivity and mitigate the risk of natural disasters.
Example: Vajpayee Sadhu Gram Yojna revives traditional "bawis" (stepwells) for sustainable water management in the Aravallis.
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge: Documenting and integrating traditional knowledge systems into development plans can promote sustainable practices and empower local communities.
Example: Western Ghats programs document "Kurumthode cultivation" for water efficiency, integrating it with modern irrigation.
Challenges faced by the hilly areas
Infrastructure Deficits: Remote locations often lack proper roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and communication networks, hindering development and access to basic services.
Environmental Degradation: Unsustainable practices like deforestation, overgrazing, and resource extraction threaten the fragile ecosystems of these regions, leading to landslides, floods, and soil erosion.
Limited Livelihood Options: Traditional agricultural practices on slopes can be challenging, and new economic opportunities can be scarce, leading to poverty and out-migration of young people.
Climate Change Impact: Melting glaciers disrupt water availability, and extreme weather events like floods and droughts become more frequent, threatening livelihoods and infrastructure.
Vulnerability to Disasters: Hilly areas are more prone to landslides, avalanches, and earthquakes, causing loss of life, property damage, and setbacks in development.
Loss of Cultural Identity: Rapid modernization and globalization can erode traditional knowledge systems, languages, and customs of indigenous communities in these regions.
Measures for Hilly regions development
Addressing Infrastructure Deficits:
Government Schemes: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana focus on rural road construction, improving connectivity in hilly areas.
Focus on Renewable Energy: Promoting micro-hydro projects and solar power reduces dependence on grid extension and provides clean energy.
Enhancing Livelihoods and Sustainability:
Skill Development Programs: Training youth in areas like eco-tourism, adventure sports management, and horticulture creates new economic opportunities.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Schemes like Mission on Organic Value Chain Development encourage organic farming practices, improving soil health and marketability of crops.
Watershed Management Projects: Initiatives like the National River Conservation Plan aim to conserve soil and water resources, mitigating drought and flood risks.
Protecting the Environment:
Forest Conservation Initiatives: Programs like Joint Forest Management (JFM) involve local communities in forest protection and sustainable resource management.
Eco-tourism Regulations: Guidelines promote responsible tourism practices that minimize environmental impact in fragile ecosystems.
Preserving Cultural Identity:
Documentation Programs: Recording traditional knowledge systems, languages, and handicrafts helps preserve cultural heritage.
Support for Local Crafts: Initiatives like Geographical Indications (GI) tags for unique products empower local communities and promote their crafts.
Regional Initiatives:
Himachal Pradesh Vikas Parishad (HIMVIKAS): This agency focuses on rural development in Himachal Pradesh, promoting infrastructure development, skill development, and sustainable agriculture.
Western Ghats Development Programme: Launched alongside the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP), it focuses on sustainable development specific to the Western Ghats region.
Geography
HILL AREA DEVELOPMENT
opportunities posed by hilly areas
Challenges faced by the hilly areas
Measures for Hilly regions development
General Studies Paper 1
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