Tag Archives: Land

Chapter 06: Approach to Policy Formulation

We visualise the approach to policy formulation, as we understand the concepts of cooperation planning and strategy, the importance of research, baseline and benchmarking, and are introduced to the concepts of working groups, consultations, documentation. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Governments primarily use spatial and land use plans and environmental and building code regulations to affect land use. These instruments function by restricting usage of land but cannot influence how individuals and businesses would like to use land. Many other policies or schemes and planning procedures, which are not causally related to land use planning systems, create incentives to use land in certain specific ways. It is not necessary that such policies correspond to the objectives of land use planning systems.

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Chapter 07: Stakeholders and Actors – the Departments, their Roles and Mandates

We understand the concept of stakeholders and actors and look at possible stakeholders at National and state levels with two examples. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

Who are the right stakeholders and actors? Are they on board and do they support the project? Are they open to the concept and willing to adapt? How important are they? Do they share common objectives? Do they have the right mandate? Are there some who are the key driving force whereas others who play a secondary role? Are there any veto players? Are all actors only from government, or are they from private sector and civil societies also?

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Chapter 09: Land Use Statistics

What is the land utilisation pattern in India? Let us have a look and understand the sources of information for some key categories. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

This chapter is specific to Indian scenario. Still, some sections might be relevant to other regions and countries as well.

Various ministries and departments at the National as well as the State Government maintain information on existing land use statistics for their own planning purposes. It is important to understand how these statistics look together at various levels of governance. Such a collation of land use statistics and envisaged/proposed plans is expected to give an interesting insight into the land use scenario for the state as well as the challenges ahead.

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Chapter 10: Sectoral Policies and the Land Acquisition Process

Ever wondered what various sectoral policies point to? Indian states have such a complex governance system and so many policies, let us look at a select few for two states in India (one highly urbanised and the other being one of the least urbanised). We will also understand the steps if somebody wants to have access to land to setup a project. There are links to policy details. Some may find it boring. Some may be extremely interested. Mind it. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

The presence of complex governance systems with multiple sectoral departments means that each departments is in-charge of various development measures. It is highly likely that each department has specific policies or other forms of guiding documents for planning interventions. Some of these policies/guiding documents are expected to directly have an impact on land use, whereas some of them would result in planning processes that affect eventual land use (indirect impact on land use). As most of the departments have such policies in force and decisions are made abiding by these documents, it is important to understand and consider them during the formulation of the land use planning policy for any state or country.

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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 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 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 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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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 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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