The full form of Dpap is the drought-prone area’s programme. The Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) was the first local development initiative by the Central Government in 1973–1974 to address the unique issues faced by these vulnerable areas, which were frequently prone to harsh extreme droughts out by the Central Government. Increasing human and livestock populations in these places severely strain the already depleted natural resources for food, feed, and fuel. From 1994-1995, DPAP was used in 13 states, 96 districts, and 627 blocks. A total of 947 blocks for 164 districts in 13 States were included in DPAP's coverage from 1995 to 1996. The Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) now covers 16 states, 183 districts, and 972 blocks.
The program's primary goal is to reduce the negative impacts of drought on agriculture and animal output as well as on the agricultural output, water, and human capital, resulting in the drought-proofing of the afflicted areas. The project also intends to improve the socioeconomic circumstances of the underprivileged and resource-poor populations living in the programme regions and to promote national economic growth.
The program’s objectives are being addressed by starting development projects using a watershed strategy for land development, water resource development, and afforestation/pasture development. The Ministry's most recent impact assessments have shown the construction of watershed projects under the Drought Prone Areas Program.
The Common Guidelines for Watershed Development call for a standardized approach to all local development initiatives.
The critical components of this tactic are:
1. Only watershed-based area development programmes will be carried out.
2. Program activities should be carried out as projects over four to five years and restricted to the designated 500-hectare watershed.
3. As much as practicable, the watershed project should end at the village border, and the Active participation of the community in watershed area planning, development, and availability management over the post-project period
During 1994–1995, the Drought Prone Areas Programme ran in 627 blocks of 96 districts in 13 States. According to the Hanumatha Rao Committee's recommendations, 64 blocks were moved from DPAP to DDP(Desert development programme), while 384 new blocks were added to the program's coverage area. As a result, the project's scope was increased to 947 blocks in 164 districts throughout 13 States. Also, with the restructuring of States, districts, and blocks, the initiative is currently being implemented in 972 blocks throughout 182 districts across 16 States.
The total amount pledged for these 24363 projects (approved from 1995-96 to 2005-06) is Rs. 6469.20 crores, with the central share being Rs. 4772.46 crores. A total of Rs. 2095.33 crore was released between 1995-1996 and 2005-2006. The budget outlay for 2006-07 is Rs.360 crore, of which Rs.11.84 crore has been spent as of May 17, 2006.
The revenues were split 50/50 between the Central and State Governments up to March 1999. But as of April 1, 1999, the money is split 75:25 between the federal and state governments. The previous financing scheme shall apply to the completion of projects approved before April 1999.