The Desert Development Programme (DDP), also known as the Desert Development Area Programme (DDAP), was launched by the Government of India with the primary objective of combating desertification and promoting sustainable development in desert areas. Over time, it has evolved to address broader environmental, ecological, and socio-economic challenges in India's arid and semi-arid regions. The evolution of this program can be traced through various phases and policy shifts, each aimed at tackling the challenges posed by desertification, soil degradation, and water scarcity, while simultaneously improving the livelihoods of people living in desert regions.
Origins of Desert Development Programme (1977-78)
The DDP was initiated in the year 1977-78 as a part of the Government of India’s efforts to address the growing problem of desertification in the country’s dry regions. Initially, the program focused on preventing the expansion of deserts into fertile areas and mitigating the environmental degradation in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. The underlying philosophy of the program was to enhance the productivity of desert areas and improve the living conditions of people dependent on these fragile ecosystems.
At its inception, the DDP was mainly concentrated in the Rajasthan Desert, the largest desert region in India, with some projects extending into parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and later in states like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These areas were identified due to their vulnerability to desertification and the socio-economic challenges faced by their populations.
Objectives of the Early DDP
The initial objectives of the Desert Development Programme included:
- Arresting desertification through soil and moisture conservation.
- Improving agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid areas through watershed development.
- Promoting afforestation and reforestation to stabilize sand dunes and restore ecological balance.
- Livelihood improvement through employment generation in rural areas via labor-intensive development works.
The program also aimed to check the expansion of the desert by developing shelterbelts, sand dune stabilization, afforestation, pasture development, and creating infrastructure for water conservation, including water harvesting structures.
Evolution and Expansion (1980s and 1990s)
Over the years, the scope and strategy of DDP evolved, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. As new challenges emerged, the program's approach became more comprehensive and began addressing broader environmental and socio-economic concerns.
- 1983-84: The scope of DDP was expanded to include semi-arid regions in the states of Gujarat, Haryana, and parts of Punjab, as well as hilly areas in Jammu & Kashmir and the Leh-Ladakh region, where desert-like conditions prevailed.
- 1987: The National Wasteland Development Board (NWDB) was established to focus on wasteland development and desertification control. The Board worked in conjunction with DDP to promote afforestation, pasture development, and soil conservation on wastelands in desert areas.
- During the 1990s, the program shifted its focus from purely ecological goals to a more integrated approach that addressed livelihood concerns in desert regions. The strategy recognized that desertification is both a natural and human-induced phenomenon, and thus, integrated natural resource management with poverty alleviation measures.
Integrated Watershed Development Approach (1995)
In the mid-1990s, a major shift occurred with the adoption of the Watershed Development Approach under DDP. This was a paradigm shift in the planning and implementation of the program, moving from a sectoral approach to a more holistic, integrated, and sustainable approach to land and water management. The Watershed Development Approach aimed to:
- Conserve soil and water by developing micro-watersheds.
- Enhance agricultural productivity through better management of land and water resources.
- Promote community participation in decision-making, planning, and implementation of projects.
- Encourage people's participation in the protection of common property resources like grazing lands, forest areas, and water bodies.
This new approach also emphasized the importance of drought-proofing measures and improving water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes, making the program more inclusive and responsive to the needs of local communities.
Integration with Other Schemes (2000s)
In the early 2000s, the Desert Development Programme was further aligned with other rural development programs, especially those focusing on sustainable agriculture, watershed management, and poverty alleviation. The program was brought under the larger umbrella of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) launched in 2009, which integrated various schemes such as DDP, Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), and the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA).
This integration aimed at better coordination and effective implementation of development initiatives in desert and drought-prone regions. The focus was on restoring ecological balance by harnessing, conserving, and developing natural resources and simultaneously enhancing the socio-economic conditions of people in these areas.
Impact and Challenges
The Desert Development Programme has had a significant impact on improving the ecological conditions of desert areas. It helped stabilize sand dunes, improve vegetation cover, and promote sustainable agriculture in desert regions. Additionally, the program has played a crucial role in generating employment and improving rural livelihoods.
However, there have been several challenges as well, including inadequate community participation, slow implementation of projects, and issues related to coordination among various departments and stakeholders.
Conclusion
The evolution of the Desert Development Programme (DDP) reflects India’s commitment to addressing the complex issues of desertification and rural poverty in its arid and semi-arid regions. From focusing on ecological restoration and soil conservation in the 1970s to adopting a more integrated approach to land, water, and livelihoods through watershed development in the 1990s and 2000s, DDP has continuously adapted to meet emerging challenges. Today, it remains an essential part of India’s broader efforts to combat desertification, promote sustainable development, and improve the resilience of desert communities.
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