India Restores 21 Million Hectares of Degraded Land in 10 Years
India has made significant progress in land restoration, bringing over 21 million hectares of degraded land back to health in the last decade.
Source: GNews PM SchemeIndia has successfully restored more than 21 million hectares of degraded land over the past ten years. This achievement highlights the nation's commitment to combating desertification and land degradation. The restoration efforts are part of India's broader environmental goals and its pledges under international conventions. These initiatives involve various government schemes and community participation, focusing on improving soil health, increasing green cover, and enhancing biodiversity. The restored land area is crucial for agricultural productivity, water security, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This progress positions India as a key player in global land restoration efforts, demonstrating effective strategies for ecological recovery and sustainable land management.
This news is important for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper III (Environment and Ecology) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights India's environmental policies, land management strategies, and international commitments like the UNCCD. Aspirants should understand the scale of restoration, the schemes involved, and the ecological and economic benefits of such initiatives. It also reflects India's progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to land degradation neutrality.
- India restored over 21 million hectares of degraded land.
- This restoration was achieved over a period of 10 years.
- The efforts contribute to combating desertification.
- India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- Land restoration helps improve soil health and biodiversity.
- The achievement supports India's climate change mitigation goals.
Land degradation refers to the deterioration in the quality of land, its productivity, and biodiversity. It can be caused by human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable farming, and climate change. Degraded land loses its ability to support life and provide ecosystem services, impacting food security and livelihoods.
Desertification is a type of land degradation in dryland areas, resulting in the loss of biological productivity. It is caused by various factors, including climate change and human activities. It does not mean the expansion of existing deserts but rather the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. It was adopted in 1994 and is one of the three Rio Conventions, focusing on combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought.
Examiners often ask about India's environmental targets, international conventions like UNCCD, and government schemes related to land and forest conservation. Be prepared for questions on the Bonn Challenge and Sustainable Development Goals.
Remember '21 in 10' 21 million hectares restored in 10 years. Think of '21' as 'two-one' for 'two decades' (almost) of effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's target for land restoration by 2030?
India aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by the year 2030. This target is part of its commitment to the Bonn Challenge and national environmental goals, focusing on sustainable land management and combating desertification.
What are the main causes of land degradation in India?
The main causes of land degradation in India include water erosion, wind erosion, salinization, waterlogging, and chemical degradation. Human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, improper agricultural practices, and industrial pollution significantly contribute to these issues.
How does land restoration benefit the environment and economy?
Land restoration benefits the environment by improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, enhancing water retention, and sequestering carbon. Economically, it boosts agricultural productivity, supports livelihoods, and reduces the impact of natural disasters, contributing to sustainable development.