– A Sacred Land on the Continental Shelf Imagine a sacred island where the mighty Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal, where tigers walk through mangroves, and pilgrims gather by the millions. That is Sagar Island, also known as Gangasagar—an island of spiritual importance, ecological value, and economic potential, located just 150 km south of…
If you see map of India, you will find a cluster of sparkling green islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters in the Arabian Sea. These are the Lakshadweep Islands—one of India’s most remote and ecologically delicate Union Territories, often overshadowed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but strategically and economically just as important. 🧭 Basic Geography…
Let’s begin by imagining ANI—not as a single island, but as a scattered necklace of emeralds in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. Each “bead” in this necklace—whether big or small, inhabited or untouched—is a crucial part of India’s strategic, ecological, and developmental vision. 📍 Basic Geography and Settlement Pattern More about Geography…
Imagine you are standing at the edge of a coastline—on one side lies the vast ocean, on the other, civilization. Now, think about this: more than two-thirds of the world’s population lives close to the sea. Why? Because oceans are not just water bodies; they are lifelines for human survival, development, and even culture. 🌊…
Imagine a river so destructive that people called it the “Sorrow of Bengal.” The Damodar River, once known for its annual devastating floods, is not just a river—it became a symbol of what unchecked nature and under-planning can do. But from this sorrow was born a vision—a multi-purpose river valley project, inspired by the Tennessee…
Let’s look at Bastar, not just as a region, but as a living example of how geography, culture, and planning intersect in tribal India. Bastar is not merely a district—it’s a microcosm of India’s tribal geography challenges. Understanding it means understanding the roots of tribal underdevelopment, and the path to empowerment. Geographic Setting of Bastar…
India is a land of diversity—not just in culture or language, but in developmental needs. Among the most marginalised and historically excluded groups are the tribal communities, or Scheduled Tribes (STs). Their story is not just about identity and culture, but also about injustice, isolation, and the slow path to integration. Understanding the Tribal Demographic…
Let’s begin with a simple truth: Hills are beautiful but challenging.While they enrich our biodiversity and culture, they also present unique developmental hurdles that are quite different from the plains. To address these distinct needs, the Government launched the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) with a philosophy: “Development should respect geography.” Importance of Hill Areas…
Let us begin with a basic but essential question:What exactly is drought? Is it simply a lack of rain? The answer is both yes and no. Drought is not just a climatic event, it is also an economic and ecological crisis—especially in a country like India where agriculture is rain-dependent. At its core, drought occurs…
When we speak of deserts, we often imagine a barren, lifeless land—hot, dry, sandy. But let’s pause and ask a critical planning question:Can desert regions be developed meaningfully?India’s planners grappled with this question, and the answer came in the form of a focused area-based initiative called the Desert Development Programme (DDP). Historical Background of DDP…
