Topic: Land degradation-causes, effects, measures
Q5. What are the major drivers of land degradation in arid and semi-arid India? Discuss the economic and ecological consequences. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
Land degradation has become a critical theme due to rising desertification trends highlighted in recent ISRO assessments and climate-linked vulnerability in arid regions.Key demand of the question
The question requires identifying the key anthropogenic and natural drivers of land degradation in arid/semi-arid India and explaining its economic as well as ecological consequences in a concise analytical manner.Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Briefly define land degradation and contextualise its severity in arid/semi-arid India with recent data.Body
- Drivers of land degradation: Suggest broad categories such as erosion, agricultural stress, resource overuse, salinity, mining, and climate variability.
- Economic consequences: Indicate declining productivity, livelihood insecurity, and higher restoration costs.
- Ecological consequences: Indicate biodiversity loss, reduced soil carbon, hydrological stress, and micro-climatic deterioration.
Conclusion
Close with a forward-looking line highlighting the need for sustainable land management aligned with India’s land degradation neutrality goals.
