Question

Explain the difference between a mesa-region and a micro-region with the help of an example of each.

What is the difference between a micro planning region and a meso planning region?

Answer 1

Mesa-region	Micro-region
Meso-regions consist of a few micro-regions and are located in the middle of the planning region hierarchy. The microregions that comprise the mesa-regions must share something in terms of their natural background, problems and prospects, or socio-cultural bonds. Mesa regions, in contrast to microregions, are multipurpose regions. e.g., Damodar Valley Basin.	The smallest of all planning regions are called micro-regions. These areas are at the bottom of the planning region's hierarchy. These areas could concentrate on the creation and manufacturing of one or more products. A microregion is defined as an area with significant potential for the development and production of a single product specialization. e.g., agriculture in Punjab.
Large-scale mining and industrial activity can be found in the valley, which is rich in mineral resources. It incorporates three microregions: the arable land, the forest, and the coal mining area.	The state has witnessed a tremendous increase in agricultural production during the Green Revolution period, mainly due to a healthy mix of institutional and technological factors. Agrarian economy, consolidation of landholdings, reclamation of new agricultural lands, development of irrigation, and use of biochemical inputs comprising high-yielding variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides and mechanical inputs were among the important factors which helped Punjab make rapid strides in agriculture.

Answer 2

Sr. no.	Basis	Micro Planning Region	Meso Planning Region
1.	Scale	A micro planning region represents the smallest level of planning.	A meso planning region represents the intermediate level of planning.
2.	Coverage	A micro planning region covers a block, a cluster of villages, or sometimes a district.	A meso planning region covers a state or a group of districts.
3.	Focus	A micro planning region focuses on local-level development and specific needs of the people.	A meso planning region focuses on regional development and sectoral integration.
4.	Example	An example of a micro planning region is the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh.	An example of a meso planning region is the Chhattisgarh state as a whole.
5.	Planning Authority	The planning in a micro region is carried out by local government bodies or block-level agencies.	The planning in a meso region is carried out by state planning boards or regional development authorities.