6.2. Hill Area Development Programme

Hill Area Development Programmes were initiated during the Fifth Five Year Plan covering 15 districts comprising all the hilly districts of Uttar Pradesh (present Uttarakhand), Mikir Hill and North Cachar hills of Assam, Darjeeling district of West Bengal and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu.

The Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) was started in response to the specific needs of hilly regions in India. This initiative was launched during the Fifth Five Year Plan, which emphasizes targeted development for 15 districts. The programme includes areas such as Uttarakhand, Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, aiming to address the unique challenges faced by these geographically distinct locations.

Imagine a student preparing for exams; they focus on specific subjects where they struggle. Similarly, the HADP zeroes in on hilly areas that need special attention to develop their infrastructure and economy.

The National Committee on the Development of Backward Area in 1981 recommended that all the hill areas in the country having height above 600 m and not covered under tribal sub-plan be treated as backward hill areas.

The HADP aimed to identify and support hill areas that are economically and socially backward, specifically those above 600 meters in height and not included in tribal development plans. The goal was to ensure these regions received the necessary attention and resources to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

Consider a neglected garden that sits high on a hill; it needs extra care and resources to flourish compared to a flatland garden. The HADP recognizes this and focuses on providing support to 'gardens' in hilly areas, ensuring they thrive.

The detailed plans for the development of hill areas were drawn keeping in view their topographical, ecological, social and economic conditions. These programmes aimed at harnessing the indigenous resources of the hill areas through development of horticulture, agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry, forestry and small-scale and village industry.

Effective strategies for developing hill areas take into account their unique landscapes, ecosystems, and social structures. These plans aim to utilize local resources, such as promoting horticulture and animal husbandry as sustainable livelihoods. The focus is on creating a self-sufficient economy that respects and enhances the local environment.

Think of preparing a meal with local ingredients; it tends to be fresher and more sustainable than using imported goods. Similarly, the HADP focuses on utilizing local resources, ensuring that development is not only effective but also environmentally friendly.

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.

Sustainable development involves restoring ecological balance. In hill areas, this means ensuring that the interaction between water, soil, plants, and wildlife is healthy and sustainable. Such balance is crucial for the long-term viability of both ecological systems and human populations, which rely on these resources.

Just as a balanced diet is essential for a human's health, maintaining ecological balance is vital for the well-being of the environment and communities. Each element in nature depends on the others, and when one aspect falters, it affects the entire system.

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