“The restoration of ecological balance between water, soil, plants, the human and animal population should be a basic consideration in the strategy of development of drought-prone areas in India”. Explain the statement with suitable facts.

Drought is a condition where the extreme dryness in climate affects the survival of plants, animals and human beings.

There are many drought-prone areas in India like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha.

The restoration of ecological balance between the natural sources like water, soil, plants and human and animal population should be the basic consideration in developing these regions.

1. The reports of the National Committee on Development of Backward areas recommended the same.

2. Ecological balance is necessary while planning for improvement in agricultural and other industries.

3. The committee while analysing the strategies to improve drought-prone area also emphasised on the generation of alternative employment for the marginal land farmers.

4. Watershed development approach at micro-level is also proposed as a development strategy.

Ecological balance is also necessary for completing the process of the food chain also. Plants should be grown in abundance to get a good rain to preserve soil fertility.