Region encompasses of inter-dependent urban and rural areas. The rural areas supply perishable items to urban areas and from urban areas, migrants send remittances back to their homes in rural areas. In India, where 68.85 percent of the population resided in rural area in 2011, the balanced regional development is required to achieve uniform and equitable distribution of resources. Of late, most of the Government’s planning related efforts and associated development are more in cities, being largest contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), than rural areas. Higher investment in cities as compared to rural areas contradicts the basic premise of a balanced regional development. Though region received recognition through 73 and 74 Constitutional Amendment Act, yet regional planning is still amiss. As the population is increasing at a faster rate, one has to design the space in a sustainable manner. The development by means of infrastructure or governance shall have the futuristic approach.

The book intends to create knowledge about the significance of regional planning. Using case study approach, thirteen chapters by contributing authors provides an in-depth understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects related to the concepts of regionalization, agglomeration economies, contract farming, industrialization, corridor development and heritage based development. In the book, highly acclaimed professionals’ presents microscopic view of planning of varied type of regions and suggest ways to avoid the excess and misuse of resources which will dwindle the quintessence of future development. The book provides a one-stop answer to the quest of university students, government officials, researchers, officials from non-Government and private organisations to comprehend the concept of region, contextualize its importance as a viable unit of planning to resolve prevalent issues keeping in mind futuristic outlook of regional development.

The editor establishes the importance of region as a viable unit of planning, emphasizes upon the need for contextualising the issues existing in the region and accentuates that Government’s effort at national and state levels should be towards holistic planning of a region.

Prof. Dr. Vinita Yadav is Head, Department of Regional Planning, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.