Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The ‘ecological footprint’ represents the demand humans place on the Earth’s ecosystems in terms of the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the resources they consume and to absorb the waste they generate. This footprint is demonstrably uneven globally, and India is no exception. With a diverse geography, population distribution, and economic activities, India exhibits significant variations in its ecological footprint concerning land resources. Factors like agricultural intensity, urbanization, industrial development, and differing levels of resource access contribute to this disparity, posing challenges to equitable and sustainable land management practices. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for formulating effective environmental policies.
Regional Variations in Ecological Footprint
The ecological footprint related to land resources in India is not uniformly distributed. It varies significantly across different regions, influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental factors.
High Ecological Footprint Areas
- Indo-Gangetic Plain: This densely populated region, characterized by intensive agriculture (rice-wheat system), experiences a high ecological footprint due to excessive water usage, fertilizer application, and land degradation. The Green Revolution, while boosting food production, has led to unsustainable agricultural practices.
- Coastal Urban Centers (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata): Rapid urbanization and industrialization in these areas result in high resource consumption, waste generation, and habitat loss, contributing to a large ecological footprint.
- Mineral-Rich States (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha): Extensive mining activities lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, significantly impacting the ecological footprint of these regions.
Low Ecological Footprint Areas
- Northeast India: Relatively lower population density, traditional agricultural practices (jhum cultivation, though facing sustainability issues), and extensive forest cover contribute to a comparatively lower ecological footprint. However, increasing deforestation and shifting cultivation pose threats.
- Rainy/Hilly Regions (Western Ghats, Himalayas): While facing pressures from tourism and infrastructure development, these regions generally maintain a lower footprint due to limited agricultural land and relatively sparse populations.
- Desert Regions (Rajasthan): Limited agricultural productivity and low population density in certain parts of Rajasthan result in a lower ecological footprint, although water scarcity is a major concern.
Factors Influencing the Uneven Pattern
Several factors contribute to the uneven distribution of ecological footprints across India’s land resources:
- Population Density: Higher population density generally correlates with a larger ecological footprint due to increased demand for resources.
- Agricultural Practices: Intensive agriculture, particularly the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, significantly increases the ecological footprint compared to traditional, organic farming methods.
- Industrialization & Urbanization: Industrial activities and urban sprawl lead to increased resource consumption, pollution, and habitat destruction.
- Resource Availability: Regions with abundant natural resources (minerals, forests) often experience a higher ecological footprint due to exploitation and unsustainable extraction practices.
- Socio-Economic Factors: Income levels and consumption patterns also play a role. Higher income levels often translate to increased resource consumption and a larger ecological footprint.
Land Resource Degradation & its Impact
The uneven ecological footprint is closely linked to land resource degradation. According to the State of India’s Environment Report (2023), approximately 29.32% of India’s total geographical area is affected by land degradation. This includes:
| Type of Degradation | Percentage of Affected Area |
|---|---|
| Desertification | 68.28% |
| Water Erosion | 18.68% |
| Chemical Degradation | 4.88% |
| Wind Erosion | 3.78% |
This degradation exacerbates the unevenness of the ecological footprint, as regions already facing high footprints experience further environmental stress.
Conclusion
The uneven pattern of ecological footprints across India’s land resources highlights the urgent need for regionally tailored sustainable development strategies. Addressing this disparity requires promoting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in renewable energy, implementing stricter environmental regulations, and fostering responsible consumption patterns. A holistic approach that integrates environmental considerations into economic planning is crucial for ensuring equitable resource distribution and minimizing the ecological impact of human activities. Furthermore, strengthening community participation in land management and promoting environmental awareness are essential for long-term sustainability.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.