11% of Kerala's total geographic area undergoing desertification
What's the story
Approximately 11% of Kerala's total geographical area, or about 4,22,299 hectares of land, is currently desertified and degraded. This alarming environmental issue has been attributed by experts from the Kerala State Biodiversity Board to unscientific land-use changes such as turning forests into plantations. Natural hazards like landslides also contribute to the problem. The consequences of this desertification include biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and increased human-wildlife conflicts.
Increasing desertification
Desertification in Kerala: A rising trend
Recently, the Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Kirti Vardhan Singh, revealed that nearly 30% of India's total geographical area is facing desertification/degradation. Of all states and UTs, Jharkhand is the worst hit with 68.77% of its area affected, followed by Rajasthan and Delhi. In Kerala, the percentage of affected land increased from 9.54% in 2003-05 to 10.87% by 2018-19.
Land-use concerns
Unscientific land-use changes exacerbate desertification in Kerala
N Anil Kumar from the Kerala State Biodiversity Board has flagged unscientific land-use changes as a key reason behind this environmental crisis. "Forest areas have been converted into plantations, particularly rubber and eucalyptus, without scientific management practices," Kumar said. He added the ancient vegetation of the Western Ghats is extremely sensitive to disturbances that negatively impact wildlife habitats and increase human-wildlife conflicts.
Natural hazards
Landslides and soil erosion contribute to Kerala's desertification
Geohazard experts have also emphasized the contribution of natural hazards to desertification. Sudesh Kumar Wadhawan, former director general of the Geological Survey of India, said, "The intensified and increased frequency of landslides, mainly due to extreme weather events such as excessive rainfall, significantly contribute to natural slope failures and...deforestation or destruction of natural vegetation." He added excessive soil erosion along vulnerable slopes has washed away forest vegetation.
Mitigation measures
Afforestation and water management: Solutions to desertification
Former Central Ground Water Board member Dr Joji V S has suggested that strengthening afforestation efforts and improving water management are necessary steps to mitigate the impact of desertification in Kerala. He also recommended the implementation of artificial water harvesting methods as part of these mitigation measures, potentially helping to restore biodiversity and reduce the adverse effects associated with desertification.