CSR: Urgent Need to Combat Desertification
Desertification and land degradation are major threats to agricultural productivity in our country. According to the State of India’s Environment 2017: In figures book by the Centre for Science and Environment, Desertification has increased to 90 per cent of states in India.
Out of the total 328.72 MHA of India’s total geographical area, 96.4 million hectares (MHA) are under desertification. In the past 10 years, 26 of 29 Indian states have reported an increase in the area undergoing desertification. Around 40 to 70 per cent of the land has undergone desertification in eight states, Rajasthan, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh
Loss of soil cover, mainly due to rainfall and surface runoff, is one of the biggest reasons for desertification. It is responsible for 10.98 per cent of desertification in the country. Other main reasons include wind erosion (5.55 per cent), human-made or settlements (0.69 per cent), vegetation degradation (8.91 per cent) and salinity (1.12 per cent)
Fifth National Report of Government of India on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought submitted to the Secretariat of the UNCCD cites that 68 per cent of the country is prone to drought, and this will be further heightened because of the impact of climate change, particularly in drylands. Desertification and loss of biological potential will restrict the transformation of drylands into a productive ecosystem. Climate change will further challenge the livelihood of those living in these sensitive ecosystems and may cause resource scarcity, the report warns.
The findings of a study by the researchers at the Wildlife Institute of India have brought out that the Aravalis is losing its ability to curb desertification. Natural forests are shrinking and green cover of a dozen gap areas (forested areas) that fill intervals in the rocky ranges in Haryana and Rajasthan has declined. These forested areas are important to keep the hills from turning barren and therefore, prevent desertification.
Curbing desertification is as critical as the mitigating impact of climate change and international initiative on climate change and biodiversity loss should have linkages and synergies with steps against desertification. Many are not as aware of the impact of desertification as they are of climate change. UNCCD suggests that developing countries need to integrate their poverty eradication programmes with strategies to fight desertification. The soil and land preservation efforts should be prioritised and mainstreamed. The funds for climate change mitigation and adaptation could be linked to the anti-desertification programme.
According to UNCCD, more than two billion hectares of degraded land in the world can be rehabilitated. It recommends agro-forestry and farmer-managed natural regeneration. Small community initiatives making degraded lands out of bounds for grazing, growing fast-growing plants and tall trees that serve as a barrier against winds and sandstorms are very effective.
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The CSR Journal Team
