Model Answer

Desertification is the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions caused by climatic variations and human activities, leading to a decline in biological productivity. The growing vulnerability of areas adjoining the Thar Desert underscores the need for sustainable land management.

Natural factors driving desertification

1. Low and erratic rainfall reduces soil moisture and vegetation cover. e.g: Western Rajasthan receives less than 250 mm annual rainfall.
2. High evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation, accelerating moisture loss. e.g: Hot arid climate of the Thar Desert.
3. Strong aeolian winds transport sand and intensify wind erosion. e.g: Pre-monsoon dust storms in northwestern India.
4. Climate change increases drought frequency and rainfall variability. e.g: IPCC reports highlighting rising vulnerability of drylands.
5. Fragile sandy soils are highly susceptible to erosion. e.g: Active dune systems of western Rajasthan.

Factors behind the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert

1. Degradation of the Aravalli Range has weakened its role as a natural barrier against sand movement. e.g: Mining, deforestation and encroachments.
2. Loss of vegetation cover accelerates wind erosion. e.g: Overgrazing in Rajasthan and adjoining states.
3. Unsustainable groundwater extraction degrades soil quality. e.g: Salinity and declining soil moisture in dryland regions.
4. Unsustainable agricultural practices accelerate land degradation. e.g: Excessive tillage and cultivation of marginal lands.
5. Rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves increase aridity. e.g: Frequent heatwave conditions in northwestern India.

Anthropogenic drivers of desertification in India

1. Deforestation reduces ecological resilience and soil stability. e.g: Forest degradation in central and western India.
2. Overgrazing depletes natural grasslands and exposes soil. e.g: Common grazing lands of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
3. Mining and infrastructure development disturb fragile ecosystems. e.g: Stone quarrying in the Aravalli hills.
4. Improper irrigation causes salinisation and waterlogging. e.g: Canal-irrigated areas of northwestern India.
5. Rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion increase land degradation. e.g: Conversion of productive agricultural land for urban uses.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen the Aravalli Green Wall Project through afforestation, assisted natural regeneration and strict regulation of mining.
2. Promote sustainable land management under the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and utilise ISRO's Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas for planning.
3. Encourage watershed development, agroforestry, drought-resilient agriculture and community-led grassland restoration.

Desertification is both an environmental and developmental challenge that threatens ecological security, livelihoods and food security. Scientific land management, ecosystem restoration and cooperative governance are essential to arrest land degradation and build resilient dryland ecosystems.