Command Area Development Programme
Also called: CADP, CAD · Topic: Regional Planning and Sustainable Development in India · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 6 "Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context"
Meaning
The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) began in 1974-75. It deals with a common problem in canal areas. Canals are built and irrigation capacity is created, but much less land actually gets the water. CADP closes this gap at the farm level. Its tools are field channels, lining of watercourses (so water does not seep away), land levelling, warabandi (sharing water in turns), drainage and afforestation. It is now part of Har Khet Ko Pani under PMKSY (verify current).
Example
In the Indira Gandhi Canal command area in western Rajasthan, CAD works lined watercourses, levelled land and brought in warabandi. CAD afforestation and pasture work also helped green the desert land.
Don't confuse with
- Command area: this is the land a canal can irrigate. CADP is the programme that makes better use of water inside that land.