How many hectares of healthy land did India lose to degradation from 2...
The UNCCD's data reveals that India lost approximately 30.51 million hectares (Ha) of healthy land to degradation from 2015 to 2019, which is a significant area of land.
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How many hectares of healthy land did India lose to degradation from 2...
According to the UNCCD's data, India lost approximately 30.51 million hectares of healthy land to degradation from 2015 to 2019. This represents a significant amount of land that has been negatively impacted by various forms of degradation such as desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
Factors contributing to land degradation in India:
1. Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development has resulted in the loss of tree cover and disruption of ecosystems, leading to soil erosion and reduced soil fertility.
2. Soil erosion: Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as intensive farming and improper land management, have caused soil erosion, reducing soil quality and productivity.
3. Overgrazing: The excessive grazing of livestock can lead to the degradation of vegetation cover and soil compaction, making the land vulnerable to erosion and desertification.
4. Water scarcity: The growing demand for water resources, coupled with inadequate water management practices, has resulted in the depletion of groundwater reserves and drying up of rivers and lakes, contributing to land degradation.
5. Industrial activities: Industrial pollution, including discharge of toxic chemicals and waste, has contaminated soil and water resources, rendering them unsuitable for agricultural activities and causing land degradation.
Impact of land degradation:
1. Reduced agricultural productivity: Land degradation affects the fertility and productivity of agricultural land, leading to lower crop yields and food insecurity.
2. Loss of biodiversity: Degraded land is unable to support diverse ecosystems, resulting in the loss of plant and animal species, which can have long-term ecological consequences.
3. Increased vulnerability to climate change: Degraded land is more susceptible to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities dependent on the land for their livelihoods.
4. Economic losses: Land degradation can have significant economic implications, including decreased agricultural output, increased costs of land restoration, and reduced tourism potential in affected areas.
Efforts to address land degradation in India:
1. Afforestation and reforestation programs: The government has initiated various tree planting schemes to increase forest cover and restore degraded land.
2. Soil conservation measures: Soil and water conservation techniques, such as contour plowing, terracing, and watershed management, are being implemented to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health.
3. Sustainable land management practices: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and agroforestry, can help preserve soil fertility and reduce land degradation.
4. Water conservation measures: Encouraging water harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques, and watershed development can help conserve water resources and reduce the pressure on land.
5. Strengthening policy and regulations: The government is working on strengthening laws and regulations related to land use planning, environmental protection, and sustainable development to combat land degradation effectively.
In conclusion, the loss of 30.51 million hectares of healthy land to degradation in India from 2015 to 2019 highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying causes and mitigate the impacts of land degradation. It requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, communities, and civil society to promote sustainable land management practices, conserve natural resources, and restore degraded land to ensure a sustainable future for India's ecosystems and livelihoods.