Origins and Coverage

Hill Area Development Programme

During the Fifth Five Year Plan, the Hill Area Development Programmes were initiated, targeting 15 districts encompassing all the hilly districts of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), Mikir Hill and North Cachar hills of Assam, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. In 1981, the National Committee on the Development of Backward Areas recommended that all hill areas in the country with elevations above 600 meters, not covered under the tribal sub-plan, should be considered as backward hill areas....

Origins and Coverage

During the Fifth Five-Year Plan, the HADP was launched to promote development in 15 districts encompassing hilly areas. These districts included the hilly regions of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), Mikir Hills, North Cachar Hills in Assam, Darjiling district in West Bengal, and Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu. The program was established to address the unique challenges faced by these hilly terrains, which often lagged in terms of socio-economic development....

Recognition of Backwardness

In 1981, the National Committee on the Development of Backward Areas recommended the identification of all hill areas with an elevation above 600 meters as backward hill areas. This recognition underscored the need for targeted development interventions in these regions to uplift their socio-economic status and improve the quality of life for the residents....

Objectives and Planning

The development plans for hill areas were meticulously crafted, taking into account their topographical, ecological, social, and economic characteristics. The overarching goal of the HADP was to harness the indigenous resources of these regions for sustainable development. Key objectives included the promotion of horticulture, plantation agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry farming, forestry, and the establishment of small-scale and village industries. By leveraging local resources and traditional knowledge, the programme aimed to create employment opportunities and enhance income levels in hill communities....

Focus Areas

HADP placed significant emphasis on the development of specific sectors tailored to the unique requirements of hilly terrains. Horticulture emerged as a crucial focus area, with efforts directed towards the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Plantation agriculture, including tea cultivation in regions like Darjeeling and Nilgiri, played a pivotal role in generating income and supporting livelihoods. Additionally, animal husbandry, poultry farming, and forestry activities were promoted to diversify rural livelihoods and enhance resilience against environmental challenges....

Small-Scale and Village Industries

Recognizing the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and local industries, HADP facilitated the establishment of small-scale and village enterprises in hill areas. These industries encompassed sectors such as handicrafts, handloom weaving, sericulture, and agro-processing, leveraging the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources. By encouraging value addition and market linkages, these initiatives aimed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and boost economic growth in hill communities....

Conclusion

The Hill Area Development Programme represents a targeted approach towards addressing the developmental needs of hilly regions in India. By recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to these areas, the programme strives to unlock their socio-economic potential through strategic interventions in sectors like horticulture, agriculture, animal husbandry, and small-scale industries. Moving forward, sustained efforts and investments are essential to ensure the inclusive and sustainable development of hill areas, thereby improving the lives of residents and fostering environmental stewardship....

Chapter 6 Hill Area Development Programme- FAQs

What is the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) and when was it initiated?...