“A region is a unit of land having a unique character or homogeneity, based on local features of geology, relief, soil, climate, vegetation and human way of life”
Example – The central valley of California, Indo-genetic region, etc. in Regional Planning and Its Application
- The concept of region is generally linked with ‘space’ and has a spatial dimension.
- Economist – Generally linked with engaged in the formulation of general growth theory.
- Geographer – Region is an objective reality with ‘space’.
- The major problems, sometimes a part of the district, or the whole district or the whole state, or a cluster of states are also referred as regions.
– But this confusion can under reduced as far as region is under they can three categories:
- Homogeniety – They may be combination of natural, economical and socio-cultural region.
- Nodality – Nodal region can also be delineated into a polarization flow, their surrounding some central urban plan.
- Programming – It may be administrative or may be political institution.
Region have following features:
- A region should have location. e.g., middle east, south east Asia, north wast Europe etc.
- Region should have spatial extent. e.g., Thar desert, Sahara desert.
- Region should have boundaries e.g., Indo-giarmtic plane, Himalayas, Shivalik end etc.
- Region may be either formal or functional.
- Regions are hierarchically arranged.
- Region should have transitional boundaries.
It’s Application to Planning:
- Planning Purpose – In actual delination of region for planning purpose, it become necessary to strike a balance between the considerations of homogeneity, nodality and administrative convenience.
- Development of Plans – The proper implementation of development plans, the region should have fairly homogeneous economic structure. Some topographical and socio-cultural homogeneity.
- Planning of Region – The planning region than an area of large enough to substantial changes in the distribution of employment and population.
Types of Region in Regional Planning and It’s Application
- Physical Regions – Based on land form, climate, air mass and ecosystem.
- Cultural Regions – Population, language, religion, political, economic, natural resources, urban, agricultural, industrial and mental regions etc.
Regional planning is a process of developing strategies and policies to guide the physical, social, and economic development of a specific geographical area or region. It involves analyzing the existing conditions, identifying the opportunities and challenges, and formulating a comprehensive plan that takes into account the unique characteristics and needs of the region.
Regional planning has many applications, including:
- Economic Development: Regional planning can help promote economic growth. Also development by identifying the economic strengths and weaknesses of a region. Developing policies and strategies to attract new businesses, and creating an environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Land Use Planning: Regional planning can help manage the use of land in a region, ensuring that development is sustainable, balanced, and responsive to the needs of the community. This can include planning for housing, transportation, parks, and other public spaces.
- Environmental Planning: Regional planning can help protect the natural resources and environment of a region by promoting sustainable practices. Identifying areas of conservation and preservation, and reducing the impact of development on the environment.
- Infrastructure Planning: Regional planning can help ensure that a region has the necessary infrastructure, such as transportation, water, and energy systems, to support its growth and development.
- Social Planning: Regional planning can help promote social equity by addressing issues such as access to affordable housing, education, healthcare, and other services that are essential to a high quality of life.
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