Last reviewed 4 Nov 2026 · Facts as of 4 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
1. Deforestation
DefinitionDeforestation
Permanent conversion of forest land to other uses — agriculture, settlements, mining, dams, roads — or its severe degradation.
Causes
| Direct | Underlying |
|---|---|
| Expansion of agriculture and shifting cultivation | Population growth and poverty |
| Commercial logging, fuelwood collection | Demand for timber, paper, palm oil, beef (globally) |
| Mining, dams, roads, industries | Development policy, weak enforcement |
| Forest fires, overgrazing | Unclear land rights |
| Urbanisation and encroachment | Climate change (droughts, pests) |
Effects
- Loss of biodiversity and habitat; man–wildlife conflict.
- Soil erosion, landslides, siltation of rivers and reservoirs.
- More floods and lower dry-season flows; lower groundwater recharge.
- Changes in local rainfall and temperature; release of stored carbon → climate change.
- Loss of livelihoods for forest-dependent and tribal communities.
2. Desertification
DefinitionDesertification (UNCCD)
Land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. It does not mean the spread of existing deserts.
Causes
- Overgrazing, over-cultivation, deforestation and fuelwood cutting.
- Poor irrigation leading to waterlogging and salinity.
- Wind and water erosion; repeated droughts; climate change.
Extent in India
- ISRO's Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas (SAC, Ahmedabad) estimates that close to 30% of India's land area (about 97–98 million hectares) is undergoing degradation.
- Most affected states include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Ladakh, J&K and Telangana; water erosion is the biggest process, followed by vegetation degradation and wind erosion.
Control
| Measure | Example |
|---|---|
| Afforestation and shelter belts | Wind-breaks along the Thar desert; Prosopis and native species |
| Sand-dune stabilisation | Grass and shrub planting, mulching |
| Controlled grazing, rotational grazing | Community pasture management |
| Watershed development, water harvesting | Johads, check dams |
| Proper irrigation with drainage | Prevent salinity |
| Research | CAZRI, Jodhpur (Central Arid Zone Research Institute) |