Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,
Q6. How have anthropogenic activities contributed to large-scale land degradation in recent decades, and what are the ecological consequences of such changes? In this context, examine how India can formulate a resilient and sustainable land-use strategy. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
A 2025 global study highlighted that 25% of Earth’s land has been adversely altered by human activity, with agriculture as the leading cause — making land degradation a critical topic for environmental governance.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining how human activities have caused large-scale land degradation, evaluating its ecological consequences, and suggesting a sustainable land-use strategy specifically for India.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Mention how human activity has become the dominant factor in reshaping terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and land quality.Body
- Briefly outline major anthropogenic drivers such as agriculture, urbanisation, mining, and infrastructure.
- Discuss key ecological consequences like biodiversity loss, soil degradation, climate vulnerability, and water cycle disruption.
- Suggest strategic responses for India including agroecology, integrated land-use planning, geospatial tools, and community-led restoration.
Conclusion
Highlight the urgency of treating land as a strategic ecological asset and integrating sustainability into every tier of land management.
