The ‘World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought’ is observed to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels.
Photo: Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Desertification is defined as the gradual degradation of fertile land into a wasteland, and in India, it is largely caused by factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, overexploitation of land and water, poor irrigation measures, poor land and water conservation measures, improper crop rotation, excessive use of agro-chemicals, forest fires, urbanisation, and climatic variations.
Desertification leads to water scarcity and drought, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, food scarcity, hunger, poverty, economic instability and eventually forced migration into cities, which are already overpopulated, with little or no livelihood options for unskilled people.
As much as 30 per cent of India’s total geographical area is undergoing degradation, according to an ISRO-led study. Desertification can be prevented through policy interventions at local as well as national levels, with active participation of all stakeholders, especially local communities, promoting natural regeneration of ecosystems, switching to better land and water management practices, creating efficient irrigation and drainage facilities, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and exploring alternate livelihoods to reduce the pressure on land and natural resources.
Let’s fight desertification and secure the future of unborn generations.
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