Desert Development Programme (DDP)

- The Desert Development Programme was started in 1977-78 in some selected districts to check the formation of deserts, to end the drought effects in the deserts, to reestablish the ecological balance in the affected areas and to increase the land productivity and water resources in these areas.
- This programme is being implemented totally on the basis of Union support but the division of the funds in the hot arid areas is done between the Union and the States on the basis of 75 : 25. Presently 235 blocks of 40 districts in 7 states are covered under this programme.
- This programme is being run by the Rural Development Department.