Tag Archives: Policies

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 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 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 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 19: Institutional Mechanism, Implementation Framework and Timelines

A policy can never be complete, if it does not provide for the institutional mechanism and implementation framework along with the timelines. Let us have a look at the new interventions, new mandate, what all structures we need to strengthen and where all planners are required. This chapter is part of a series on Hierarchical Spatial Planning Framework

A State spatial strategy gives impetus to economic growth through urbanization, industrialization as well as many aspects of agriculture and focussed irrigation investments while balancing the environment and social aspects. To facilitate the same, most states need to further strengthen and integrate spatial dimensions in the development process.

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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 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 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 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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