401_concept of region

8/7/2019 401_concept of region

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CONCEPT OF REGION

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Region Types

Homogeneous region

Nodal region

Functional region

3. Classification for physical planning of region

Macro region

Meso region

Micro region

4. Classification for economic planning of region

5. Classification as per state of development

6. Classification as per activity area

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CONCEPT OF REGION

1. INTRODUCTION

A "region" is an uninterrupted spatial unit which is demarcated based on some definite

criterion which gives it homogeneity in that respect.

Space is continuous and each part of the earths surface has particular characteristics

(physical/economic/) which affect the spatial relations that humans have with it.

Geographical space is thus a divided continuum of complex interlocking spatial sub-systems.

The interaction of these smaller spatial and economic systems operates to divide space into

distinctive units or areas which are known as regions.

2. REGION TYPES

This division of space may be achieved to obtain the following types of regions:

Homogenous/Formal Regions

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CONCEPT OF REGION

Heterogeneous/ Nodal/Functional Region

Programming Region

Homogenous Regions

Divisions of space which are outlined by one particular characteristic (especially

physical uniformity) are known as formal or homogenous regions.

The given area could be divided into regions based on any criterion ranging from

physical uniformity to industrial or agricultural structure or any other differentiating

characteristic.

Nodal Regions

When space is demarcated into units based on the function they serve/ services they

provide the regions are called Functional regions.

A functional region operates as a complex and integrated-functional whole.

E.g. A City Region where the city serves multiple functions within its limits and also

serves its hinterland

Functional region

A region designed to serve a particular purpose is called a programming region.

E.g. the Tennessee Valley Authority of USA was designated in 1933 to coordinate the

efforts of 7 states to control flooding, provide power, navigation and irrigation in the

valley of Tennessee. Damodar Valley Project in Bihar, India

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CONCEPT OF REGION

3. CLASSIFICATION FOR PHYSICAL PLANNING OF REGION

Macro region

Should have a common resource base and specialization in that resource base.

States/ group of states

Meso region

Area with identifiable affinity within, which can facilitate planning.

Cultural or administrative region / homogeneous resource region.

Micro region

Area viable for plan formulation with administration for plan implementation and

monitoring.

Nodal point/ rural areas/ command areas.

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CONCEPT OF REGION

4. CLASSIFICATION FOR ECONOMIC PLANNING OF REGION

Functional dependence

City regions

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CONCEPT OF REGION

5. CLASSIFICATION AS PER STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

Under-Developed/ Backward Region

Lack of infrastructure facilities, adverse geo-climate conditions, low investment rate,

high rate of growth of population, and low levels of urbanization and industrializationare causes.

e.g. some agricultural areas of MP, Maharashtra

Intermediate Region

New towns and satellite belts are designated as neutral regions and they promise

good prospects of further development because here further employment generation

and income propagation is possible without congestion. Such regions can be

demarcated around urban centers.

Intermediate regions are those regions, which are islands of development around a

sea of stagnation.

E.G million plus cities

Developed Region

High rate of accretion in goods and services i.e., their share in the GDP of the

country is relatively higher.

This may be with or without rich natural resources

Use of upgraded technology by highly skilled and motivated persons.

Infrastructure facilities in abundance, high migration.

e.g. Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmadabad

6. Classification as per activity areas

Mineral regions

Manufacturing Regions and Congested Regions

Cultural Regions

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