G.O.Ms.No.40, Special Area Development Programme, 2016
The Government of Tamil Nadu's Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (TC-I) Department issued G.O.Ms.No.40 on 4 March 2016, establishing the Special Area Development Programme and approving guidelines for its administration and field implementation. The programme targets specified hilly areas above 600 metres in 10 districts, with a focus on soil and water conservation, ecosystems and local livelihoods.
What the programme governs
The Special Area Development Programme supports development work in hilly parts of Tamil Nadu that are at an absolute altitude above 600 metres from the base. It was created after the Government of India delinked the Hill Area Development Programme and Western Ghats Development Programme from Central assistance from 2015-2016.
The programme covers 40 taluks and 67 blocks across 10 districts. Within the target area are 36 municipalities, 148 town panchayats and 1,266 village panchayats. Areas of Erode district that were not covered by the earlier programmes are included.
Areas and people affected
The Special Area Development Programme applies to eligible hilly areas in:
- The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode districts under Unit I.
- Dindigul, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts under Unit II.
The programme is relevant to residents, local bodies and implementing agencies in these areas. It does not state any change to private ownership, land title, registration or land transfer rules.
Main development priorities
The Special Area Development Programme focuses particularly on buffer zones adjoining protected forests. These places may receive limited investment because they are neither forest land nor close to habitations, although they are important for soil and water conservation.
Key priorities include:
- Water, production landscapes and human livelihoods.
- Water and ecosystem services.
- Water and biodiversity.
- Local livelihood opportunities.
- Micro watershed based planning.
Works may be implemented through departments responsible for agriculture, forests, tribal welfare, animal husbandry, fisheries, rural development, energy, handlooms, tourism, highways and water resources.
Administration and approvals
The Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department is the State Level Nodal Department. District Planning Cells are responsible for district implementation.
A State Level Technical Cell is hosted by the State Planning Commission and functions under the State Land Use Research Board. Its expertise may cover agriculture, forestry, hydrology, water management, capacity building, social mobilisation, information technology and geospatial technology.
A State Level Empowered Committee approves annual plans, integrated block plans and individual projects or sub-projects submitted by districts or local bodies. It also monitors, reviews and evaluates implementation and impact.
Funding
G.O.Ms.No.40 sanctioned Rs.75.00 crores for administration and field implementation during 2015-2016. The Head of Division of the Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board was authorised to draw and disburse funds based on sanctions from the State Level Empowered Committee.
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Common questions
Does G.O.Ms.No.40 change my land ownership or title?
No change to private ownership, land title, registration or transfer rules is stated. The document establishes a development programme and its administrative arrangements.
Is every property in the 10 listed districts covered?
The programme targets hilly areas at an absolute altitude above 600 metres from the base within the identified 40 taluks and 67 blocks. The document does not state that every property in each district is covered.
What types of work can be carried out under the programme?
The programme focuses on soil and water conservation, watershed planning, ecosystems, biodiversity and livelihood opportunities. Works may be implemented through several departments, including agriculture, forests, rural development, highways and water resources.
Who approves projects under the Special Area Development Programme?
The State Level Empowered Committee approves annual plans, integrated block plans and individual projects or sub-projects submitted by district administrations or local bodies.
