Land Degradation in India

In an agriculture-based country like India, the conservation of soil quality and fertility is extremely important. However, more than one-third of India’s land area is affected by land degradation. This is not only an environmental challenge but also a question of food security, livelihoods, and climate change adaptation.

What is Land Degradation? 

Land Degradation refers to — “A persistent or temporary decline in the productivity, biodiversity, and ecological functions of land.”

It includes:

• Soil erosion
• Salinization / Acidification
• Waterlogging
• Loss of nutrients
• Degradation of forests and grasslands
• Improper land use changes

Current Status of Land Degradation in India

Major Causes of Land Degradation

(1) Natural Causes

• Water and wind erosion – Loss of topsoil due to rain, floods, and wind.
• Climate change – Droughts, floods, and extreme weather reduce land capacity.
• Geochemical factors – Salinity, alkalinity, and acidification.

(2) Human-Induced Causes

• Deforestation – Reduces biodiversity and increases soil erosion.
• Overgrazing – Destroys vegetation cover, exposing soil to erosion.
• Over-irrigation / Poor agricultural practices – Causes salinization and waterlogging.
• Mining and industrial activities – Disturbs land structure.
• Urbanization and construction – Creates impervious layers, reducing soil permeability.

Impacts of Land Degradation

Major Government Initiatives

Global Efforts

Key Challenges

1. Data inconsistency – Different agencies report varying figures.
2. Policy coordination gap – Lack of synergy between agriculture, forest, water, and industry ministries.
3. Insufficient financial resources – Limited funding for restoration projects.
4. Limited community participation – Top-down policy approach.
5. Weak monitoring mechanisms – Limited use of GIS and remote sensing tools.
6. Climate change impacts – Droughts and floods further deteriorate land quality.

Way Forward

1. Integrated Land Resource Management (ILRM): Coordinate agriculture, water, forest, and mining policies.
2. Community-based Land Restoration: Involve panchayats, women’s groups, and NGOs in land rehabilitation.
3. Technology-based Mapping: Use GIS, LiDAR, and remote sensing for real-time monitoring.
4. Incentive Mechanisms: Promote “Green Credit” for farmers who conserve land.
5. Agroforestry Promotion: Encourage tree-based farming for carbon sequestration and soil health.
6. Sustainable Mining Practices: Enforce strict “Mine Closure Plans.”
7. Water and Soil Conservation: Promote watershed-based management and micro-irrigation systems.

Conclusion

“When the soil is healthy, the society prospers.” Land degradation is a silent crisis in India’s path to sustainable development. Achieving the 2030 restoration target is not merely an environmental obligation, but a vital step towards food security, rural employment, and climate justice.

If every village panchayat takes responsibility for conserving its local land resources, India can lead the world toward becoming a Land Degradation Neutral Nation.