Regional planning is a branch of geography that focuses on the development of strategies and policies for the sustainable development of regions. It involves the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of a region and the development of plans and policies to enhance the strengths and address the weaknesses.
Regional planning is based on a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and physical characteristics of the region. It seeks to integrate the goals of economic development, social equity, and environmental protection to achieve sustainable development outcomes.
Regional planners work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and private businesses, to develop plans and policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the region’s residents. They use a range of tools and techniques, such as land use planning, transportation planning, and environmental impact assessments, to identify the most appropriate strategies for achieving sustainable development goals.
One of the key objectives of regional planning is to ensure that development is equitable and inclusive. This means that regional planners must be aware of the needs and aspirations of all segments of the population, including disadvantaged groups. They must also work to ensure that the benefits of development are shared fairly across the region.
Overall, regional planning is a critical field of study for promoting sustainable development and achieving balanced economic growth. It provides a framework for understanding the complex interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors in shaping the development of regions, and for developing strategies to promote sustainable and equitable development outcomes.
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Regional Planning Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Geography Optional)
- Discuss the role of transportation accessibility in regional development. (10 Marks/2022)
- Explain the processes of contagion and hierarchical diffusion in addressing regional imbalances. (10 Marks/2021)
- Development-induced displacement poses serious challenges. Mention its causes, consequences and solutions. (20 Marks/2021)
- The environmental issues are not adequately addressed in the regional planning.Comment.(15 Marks/2021)
- Suggest criteria, indicators and techniques for delimitation of formal regions. (20 Marks/2021)
- “Where economic growth is sustained over long time periods, its incidence works towards a progressive integration of the space economy.” Elucidate. (10 Marks/2020)
- “Growth is not uniform in different places.” Critically examine this statement in the context of the growth pole theory. (15 Marks/2019)
- What are natural regions? How are they different from planning regions? (10 Marks/2019)
- Give an account on sustainable development and its components. (10 Marks/2017)
- Examine the role of small towns in the regional development process. (15 Marks/2017)
- Elaborate the idea of ‘Compage’. (10 Marks/2016)
- What is a ‘region’? Describe ‘Thiessen’ polygon method of regional delimitation. (15 Marks/2016)
- In what ways can geographers contribute towards optimal land use planning in a region? (15 Marks/2016)
- “Development planning has a component of environmental cost”. Discuss. (10 Marks/2015)
- “Geographical traits lead to regional imbalances.” Examine. (15 Marks/2015)
- “Vital statistics are necessary ingredients for development planning.” Elaborate. (15 Marks/2015)
- “Rural sustainability is necessary for urban sustainability.” Discuss the statement in the backdrop of integrated development approach. (20 Marks/2014)
- Explain the qualitative and quantitative methods of delineation of the sphere of urban influence. (20 Marks/2014)
- “Urban Solid Waste Management poses the greatest challenge in Metropolitan Planning”. Elaborate. (20 Marks/2013)
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