NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context

1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options:

(i) Regional planning relates to :

• (a) Development of various sectors of economy.
• (b) Area specific approach of development.
• (c) Area differences in transportation network.
• (d) Development of rural areas.

Answer: (b) Area specific approach of development.

(ii) ITDP refers to which one of the following?

• (a) Integrated Tourism Development Programme
• (b) Integrated Travel Development Programme
• (c) Integrated Tribal Development Programme
• (d) Integrated Transport Development Programme

Answer: (c) Integrated Tribal Development Programme.

(iii) Which one of the following is the most crucial factor for sustainable development in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area?

• (a) Agricultural development
• (b) Eco-development
• (c) Transport development
• (d) Colonisation of land

Answer: (b) Eco-development.

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) What are the social benefits of ITDP in the Bharmaur tribal region?

Answer: The social benefits of ITDP in Bharmaur include a tremendous increase in literacy rate, improvement in sex ratio, and a decline in child marriage. Female literacy rose from 1.88% in 1971 to 65% in 2011, and gender inequality in literacy has declined.

(ii) Define the concept of sustainable development.

Answer: Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It ensures that ecological, social, and economic aspects are balanced for long-term human welfare.

(iii) What are the positive impacts of irrigation on Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area?

Answer: Irrigation in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area has increased soil moisture, supported afforestation, and pasture development, reduced wind erosion and siltation, and led to an expanded cultivated area with increased cropping intensity and a shift to higher-value crops.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) Write short notes on drought-prone area programme. How does this programme help in the development of dryland agriculture in India?

Answer: The Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) was launched during the Fourth Five Year Plan to provide employment in drought-prone regions and create productive assets. Initially, the focus was on labour-intensive works, but it later shifted to include irrigation projects, land development, afforestation, grassland development, and basic rural infrastructure.

The National Committee on Development of Backward Areas observed that the programme primarily concentrated on agriculture and ecological balance restoration. As population pressure increased, marginal lands were used for agriculture, leading to ecological degradation. Hence, the DPAP also promoted alternative employment and integrated watershed management.

The programme has played a significant role in developing dryland agriculture by improving soil moisture, promoting afforestation, and creating rural infrastructure, thus increasing productivity and ensuring sustainability in drought-prone regions of India.

(ii) Suggest the measures of promotion of sustainability in Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area.

Answer: To promote sustainability in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area, several measures are recommended:

(1) Strict implementation of water management policy—protective irrigation in Stage-I and extensive irrigation in Stage-II;

(2) Adopting suitable cropping patterns by avoiding water-intensive crops and encouraging plantation crops like citrus fruits;

(3) Effective CAD programmes including lining of watercourses, land development, and warabandi for efficient water use;

(4) Reclamation of waterlogged and saline soils;

(5) Afforestation, shelterbelt plantations, and pasture development, especially in Stage-II;

(6) Providing financial and institutional support to economically weaker land allottees;

(7) Economic diversification by integrating agriculture with allied sectors and establishing connections among villages, agro-service centres, and markets.

These strategies enhance ecological, social, and economic sustainability in the region.

Project

(i) Find out the area development programmes being implemented in your region. Assess the impact of such programmes on the society and economy in your locality.

Answer: *Students should conduct a survey or research of their region to list current area development programmes and assess their impact on society and economy, such as improved infrastructure, increased employment opportunities, better education and healthcare services, and enhanced agricultural productivity.*

(ii) Select your own area or identify an area facing severe environmental and socio-economic problems. Make an assessment of its resources and prepare their inventory. Suggest the measures for its sustainable development as it has been done in the case of Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area.

Answer: *Students should identify a local area, list resources (land, water, human, etc.), describe issues, and propose sustainable development measures like watershed management, afforestation, infrastructure improvement, suitable crop planning, economic diversification, and community participation—modeled on Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area strategies.*

Master Planning and Sustainable Development with NCERT Solutions

Grasping the core concepts of Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context is crucial for Class 12 Geography success. This chapter explains target area planning, regional imbalances, and sustainable strategies—vital themes for exams and future studies.

Understanding the difference between sectoral and regional planning helps students analyze India’s diverse development patterns. Focus on real-world case studies like Bharmaur and the Indira Gandhi Canal to strengthen your conceptual clarity and answer application-based questions confidently.

For top marks, regularly practice NCERT-based exercises from Chapter 6 and review key definitions and case studies. This focused approach will boost your comprehension and ensure you’re well-prepared for both board exams and competitive entrances.