Under NRDMS, thrust areas have been identified to promote research and development activities on different aspects of micro level planning. Academic institutions, research laboratories and voluntary scientific bodies are supported for undertaking area-specific case studies to develop and upgrade the practices and techniques of resource management and demonstrate their efficacy. Studies carried out over the past few years in different areas like land and water system analysis, watershed management, groundwater budgeting, energy planning, and landslides have contributed to the understanding of the complex task of drawing up sustainable development strategies for smaller area units.