Definition of Wasteland

Wasteland refers to a land that is not being used for any productive purpose. It can be land that is barren, infertile, or not suitable for cultivation. Wasteland can also be a piece of land that has been degraded or damaged due to human activities such as deforestation, mining, or industrialization.

Dimension of Wasteland in India 2000

According to the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, the total wasteland in India was around 63.85 million hectares in 2000. This accounts for about 20% of the total land area of the country. Out of this, around 40% of the wasteland was classified as degraded forests, 33% as scrubland, and 27% as other wasteland.

Reasons for Wasteland

There are several reasons for the existence of wasteland in India. Some of the major reasons are as follows:

1. Deforestation: The large-scale cutting of trees for various purposes such as timber, fuelwood, and agriculture has resulted in the loss of forest cover and the creation of wasteland.

2. Mining: The extraction of minerals from the earth's crust has caused damage to the land and the creation of wasteland.

3. Industrialization: The establishment of industries in certain areas has led to the degradation of the land and the creation of wasteland.

4. Overgrazing: The excessive grazing by livestock has resulted in the depletion of vegetation cover and the creation of wasteland.

5. Soil erosion: The loss of topsoil due to factors such as water and wind erosion has resulted in the creation of barren land.

Steps to Reclaim Wasteland

Reclaiming wasteland is essential for the sustainable development of the country. Here are some steps that can be taken to reclaim wasteland:

1. Afforestation: Planting trees and other vegetation on wasteland can help in restoring soil fertility and preventing soil erosion.

2. Soil conservation: Implementing measures such as contour farming, terracing, and mulching can help in conserving soil and preventing soil erosion.

3. Water conservation: Implementing measures such as rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge can help in conserving water and improving soil moisture.

4. Land use planning: Proper land use planning can help in identifying suitable areas for various activities such as agriculture, forestry, and industrialization.

Conclusion

Wasteland is a major concern in India, and it is essential to take steps to reclaim and restore degraded land. By implementing measures such as afforestation, soil conservation, water conservation, and proper land use planning, we can ensure the sustainable development of the country and protect our natural resources.