Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Land degradation, a complex environmental issue, refers to the reduction or loss of the biological or economic productive capacity of land resources. It’s a pressing concern globally, and particularly in India, where a significant portion of land is vulnerable due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. According to the State of India’s Land and Water Resources (2021-22) report, approximately 29.32% of India’s total geographical area is affected by land degradation. This degradation not only threatens agricultural productivity but also undermines sustainable resource management, impacting livelihoods and ecological stability.
Understanding Land Degradation
Land degradation manifests in various forms, each with unique causes and consequences. These include:
- Soil Erosion: Removal of topsoil by wind and water, reducing fertility.
- Chemical Degradation: Loss of essential nutrients, acidification, and salinization.
- Physical Degradation: Compaction, loss of structure, and decline in water-holding capacity.
- Biological Degradation: Loss of biodiversity, reduced organic matter, and decline in soil biota.
Causes of Land Degradation in India
Several factors contribute to land degradation in India:
- Deforestation: Removal of tree cover leads to soil erosion and loss of soil moisture.
- Overgrazing: Excessive livestock grazing depletes vegetation cover, causing soil compaction and erosion.
- Intensive Agriculture: Monoculture, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and improper irrigation practices degrade soil health.
- Industrialization & Urbanization: Land use change, pollution, and waste disposal contribute to soil contamination.
- Climate Change: Increased frequency of droughts, floods, and extreme weather events exacerbate land degradation.
Impact on Productivity and Sustainable Resource Management
Land degradation significantly impacts both productivity and sustainable resource management:
Impact on Agricultural Productivity
Degraded land has reduced agricultural yields, leading to food insecurity and economic losses for farmers. For example, the Indo-Gangetic Plains, while highly productive, are facing increasing soil salinity and waterlogging due to improper irrigation, impacting wheat and rice production. Similarly, the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat suffer from desertification, reducing crop yields and livestock carrying capacity.
Impact on Sustainable Resource Management
Land degradation disrupts ecosystem services, such as water regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. Deforestation in the Himalayan region leads to increased soil erosion, landslides, and sedimentation of rivers, impacting water availability downstream. The Aravalli range, severely degraded due to mining and deforestation, has lost its ability to recharge groundwater, leading to water scarcity in surrounding areas.
Regional Examples of Land Degradation in India
| Region | Type of Degradation | Causes | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Desertification | Overgrazing, deforestation, climate change | Reduced agricultural productivity, water scarcity, migration |
| Indo-Gangetic Plains | Soil Salinity & Waterlogging | Improper irrigation, excessive fertilizer use | Reduced crop yields, land abandonment |
| Western Ghats | Soil Erosion & Deforestation | Mining, plantation agriculture, urbanization | Loss of biodiversity, landslides, sedimentation of rivers |
| Chhattisgarh & Odisha | Mining-induced Degradation | Iron ore and coal mining | Soil contamination, water pollution, displacement of communities |
Government Initiatives for Land Degradation Mitigation
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to address land degradation:
- National Land Degradation Assessment of India (NLDAI): A program for mapping and monitoring land degradation.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes sustainable farming practices to improve soil health.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on efficient water management to prevent waterlogging and salinity.
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980 & Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016: Aims to protect forests and promote afforestation.
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP): Implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to increase forest cover.
Conclusion
Land degradation poses a significant threat to India’s agricultural productivity, ecological stability, and sustainable development. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing sustainable land management practices, afforestation, efficient water management, and community participation. Strengthening policy frameworks, investing in research and development, and raising awareness among stakeholders are crucial steps towards mitigating land degradation and ensuring long-term resource security. A holistic and integrated approach is essential to reverse the trend of land degradation and build a resilient and sustainable future for India.
Answer Length
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