Desertification
Definition
Desertification is the degradation of land’s biological potential, ultimately leading to desert-like conditions. It is especially severe in arid and semi-arid regions, where restoration of ecosystems is slow. Unlike natural droughts or climate changes, desertification is primarily caused by human actions.
Causes of Desertification
- Population Pressure: Increasing human population intensifies land use.
- Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock removes vegetative cover and destabilizes soil.
- Agricultural Expansion: Unsustainable farming depletes soil nutrients and exposes land to erosion.
Development Activities: Infrastructure, mining, and deforestation disturb fragile ecosystems
Status of Desertification in India
- According to the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India (ISRO, 2021):
- 68% of India’s land area is dryland.
- About 58 million hectares (29.07% of total land) are degraded.
- Of this, 64 million hectares are desertified within drylands.
India has committed to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, surpassing its earlier target of 21 million ha. India hosted the 14th session of the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP14) in 2019 and remains committed to achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
Control Measures
India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Several national programmes address desertification and land degradation:
- National Action Programme (2001)
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme
- National Afforestation Programme
- National Mission for a Green India
- MGNREGS (soil & water conservation work)
- Soil Conservation in River Valley and Flood-Prone Areas
- National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas
- Desert Development Programme
- Fodder & Feed Development, Grassland Reserves, and Water Management Programmes
Both deforestation and desertification are pressing environmental issues driven mainly by unsustainable human activities. They result in loss of biodiversity, soil fertility, water resources, and ecosystem services, threatening livelihoods and food security. Sustainable land management, afforestation, community participation, and adherence to international commitments like UNCCD are vital for restoring degraded lands and ensuring ecological balance.