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 earth’s 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 industrialization
are 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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