Category Archives: Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Chapter 01: Why are we discussing this?

A humorous learning process using various images, cartoons, and graphics circulating around on internet (of course I did not make any of these). This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Have you ever come across following cartoons, graphics and images on the internet? They just pop up on google search as related images. (Of course, I did not make any of these).

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Chapter 12: Working Group – Why and How?

This is where we bring all the departments together. We setup the working group and define the agenda for each theme. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Whoa… We have come a long way. We have spent close to 15 months to come so far.

We are now aware and in agreement with the need of Hierarchical Spatial and Land Use Planning (Click here). We also agree on the significance of a state land use planning policy (Click here and here). We have also seen the importance of Cooperation strategy and the approach that we can adopt for preparing such a policy. (Click here).

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Chapter 02: What is Land Use Planning and Management?

Construction of the concept of Land Use Planning and Management. This chapter lays emphasis on benefits of visualisation. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Land use planning and management is a complex word. It needs to be constructed step by step to create a better understanding.

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Chapter 13: Thematic Consultations

After setting the working group let us prepare and undertake the thematic consultations. We also document and extract outputs and outcomes from them in terms of visions and land use interaction matrix with an example. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

We are nearing completion of month 18 now. It has been three months since we are sensitising every stakeholder department on their role and ownership for the policy. Fortunately, they all agree and are on board. Hopefully, we also have a formal government notification circulated to at core as well as extended working group members.

In short, we have already set up the working group. First battle won.

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Chapter 03: Flight to Urbanisation

Book a window seat, board the plane to take the flight to urbanisation. You will see the land uses change below you. The birds eye view is the perfect introduction to the concept of levels of plans and scales. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Have you ever flown in an aircraft? If yes, which seat do you take, the window or an aisle? Personally, I always prefer the window seat. Not because of the lesser disturbance (that is an added advantage). But more because I really like to see the birds eye view of the changing land use and land cover. Especially during take-off and landings. Morning, noon, afternoon, evenings, or night. Does not matter. I just love the view. And yes, I call it ‘the flight to urbanisation’

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Chapter 14: Spatial Representations of Key Challenges

We are now well into the details for each sector. We have so much information on land use change and sectoral challenges. Let us spatially represent them and use the power of visualisation. We do this with two examples. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

We have been working for the past 24 months now and undertaken an extensive study of our state. We have looked at the baseline scenario in terms of governance structure, department roles and their mandates, we have developed a good understanding of Land uses and its statistics for our state, we have also analysed the policies and strategies in detail.

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Chapter 04: Why Land Use Planning Policy?

Visualise how land is being used globally, and the sectoral significance in terms forests, water, agriculture, settlements etc. We also look at how Constitution of India deals with Land and introduce ourselves to the relationship of spatial planning with different public policies. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

“Climate change, population growth, rapid urbanisation, food insecurity and water scarcity – have increased competition for resources and heightened tensions and instability.”

António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, while taking oath in 2017
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Chapter 15: The Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Aha! The key essence of this series of articles. The objectives and introduction to proposed hierarchical spatial planning framework. And of course, links to details. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

The key challenges as discussed in the previous chapter along with their spatial-temporal visualisation has enable us to understand the aim of a proposed policy. A proposed land use planning policy for a state in India should ideally aim to provide a strategic framework to spatial integration of environmental, economic, social development initiatives in the state. This framework should be addressable at all levels of governance, with a view to achieving sustainable growth, equitable access to resources and conflict-free land use management.

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Chapter 05: Land and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Who imagined that one policy has the potential to impact 14 goals and 37 targets? This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Addressing issues pertaining to land through spatial and land use planning would substantially further the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development. A land use planning policy (if prepared) has a potential to positively impact achievement of 14 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) due to its direct relation to 37 targets spread across SDG 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

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Chapter 16: State Spatial Strategy

We look at the evolution of state spatial strategies through the lens of the three pillars of sustainability i.e. environment, economy and society with two proposals/examples. We also get links to the details for of the two proposals. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

For addressing the challenges and issues economic disparity, water constraints, or other sectoral conflicts and land use planning challenges as discussed earlier in Chapter 14, a state level spatial strategy can ensure that use of land is in general driven by its most economical and least environmental impact.

A state spatial strategy would ideally advocate assigning priority areas for economic development, no development as well as conservation and augmentation of water. This can improve economic competitiveness along with more equitable income distribution as compared to a scenario of continued water scarcity.

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