Environmental Science

46 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Programmes. The programme is under implementation in 615 block of 91 district

in thirteen states. Present coverage of the programme is based on the

recommendations of the ‘Task Force on DPAP and DDP (1982)’ as modified by the

Inter Departmental Group (1984). Total area covered under the programme is

about 5.54 lakh sq. km and the total population in the areas covered by the

programme is about 775 lakh. The funds for the programme are shared by the

Central Government and the states concerned on a 50:50 basis. An Outlay of

Rs. 237 crore was provided for the programme in the Central Plan for the Seventh

Plan Period.

Desert Development Programme

The objectives of this programme include controlling the process of desertification mitigate
the effects of drought in desert areas, restoration of ecological balance in affected areas and
raising productivity of land, water, livestock and human resources in these areas.

The objectives are sought to be achieved through activities such as a forestation with
special emphasis on sand dune stablisation, shelterbelt plantation and grassland development,
soil and moisture conservation and water resources development. The programme covers
131 blocks of 21 districts in five states. It also covers cold areas of Jammu and Kashmir and
Himachal Pradesh. The area covered under this programme is about 3.62-lakh sq. km and
the population area covered is about 150 lakh. This programme is implemented with 100
percent Central Financial Assistance. In 1989-90, allocations were made at the rate of Rs.
24 lakhs per 1000 sq. km., the ceiling per district hence will be Rs. 500 lakh. For cold desert
areas, a lumpsum provision is made, the rate being Rs. 100 lakh per district per year for
Himachal Pradesh and Rs. 150 lakh district per year for Jammu and Kashmir.

Since its inception, Rs. 291.33 crore has been spent under the programme. During the
Seventh Plan Period, Rs. 194.04 crore has been spent under the programme.

Table 2.6 Depiction of the Physical Achievements Made Under The Programme

Upto March 1990 Physical Achievements

Sector (’000 hectare)

(i) Area treated under soil and moisture conservation 91.28

(ii) Area treated under water resources development 34.90

(iii) Area covered under afforestation and pasture development 179.18

Note: Courtesy Research and Reference Division Ministry and Broadcasting Govt. of India.

INTER-STATE WATER DISPUTES

The water wealth of India is enormous. The National Water Policy of 1987 recognizes
River Basin as a unit for the purpose of harnessing the water potential.

Reasons for Differences

Major River Basin of the Country are all almost Inter-state. With so many rivers
flowing through more than one state, it is a natural phenomenon that differences would
arise sometime or other amongst concerned states with regard to use and distribution of