Western Ghats Regional Plans Kerala Sub-Region Volume One Development Perspective and Strategy

Abstract

From Preface: The Western Ghats Development Programme forms a part of the Hill Area Development Programme initiated by the Planning Commission during the Fifth Five Year Plan to improve the ecology and economy of area with the objective of improving the living conditions of the local people. With this objective in view, the Western Ghats Area was delineated. As an outstanding geographical feature, the Western Ghats form a spine which is extremely significant for the life and welfare of the communities both on the eastern slope as also on the western side, which tapers off rather abruptly, facing the Arabian Sea. As an economically important geographical area, it comprises parts of the States of Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Union Territory of Goa.