Let’s harness hope through sustainable landscape

With temperatures reaching way over 50 degrees Celsius in almost all of North India, the question that everyone wants to know is – is the region moving towards becoming a desert, especially Delhi? Here is an eye-opener. Parts of Delhi-NCR are already facing challenges related to land degradation that can lead to desertification. A big indicator in this direction is rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Increased heat intensifies the evaporation of moisture from the soil, exacerbating dry conditions and contributing to desert-like conditions.

To combat these challenges, effective measures like stricter pollution controls, sustainable urban planning, improved water management practices, and initiatives to increase green spaces are essential. Additionally, public awareness and community involvement in environmental conservation can play a significant role in mitigating the risk of desertification in and around Delhi.

Today marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a pivotal United Nations observance dedicated to highlighting the global efforts to address land degradation. This year, the event carries a profound message with its theme: United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future.

This theme underscores the essential role of healthy land in ensuring economic and environmental stability for the generations to come. In India, a country where extensive areas grapple with the threats of desertification and severe drought, the significance of this day is especially pronounced.

According to Anand Khatri, Distinguished Professor at Apeejay Institute of Technology-School of Planning & Architecture (AIT-SAP), desertification is taking root in the heart of urbanization.

“Urbanisation with its clinging to the land, the absence of policy on saving the riverine system, small urban ponds, swales, and rivulets is causing desertification. Land-based pricing of real estate, the inheritance, and the sale of land by area and not by how much ecology it protects are indicators of why the markets do not connect with the environment and why urban development disturbs land ecology. The New Urban Agenda (Un Habitat), an accelerator for the unsustainable development goals says that the sustainability war shall be lost or won in cities,” the educator shared.

Did you know that the soil conditions in the terrain of Delhi, Noida up to Bharatpur are such that small ponds are formed during rains? “Historically, Delhi and Noida would have had many ponds. These were all filled by people for the greed of land. Customs and traditions connect our social systems to water but with the migrant enablement and the economic leadership of cities, they have all perished. Why would cities not become deserts? There is no sight of water, loads of sewage are pumped into every rivulet running through cities and the riverbanks have become backyards of cities. Delhi Noida, Greater Noida, Yeida, and Faridabad are all filled with many examples of lakes and ponds drying up,” Mr Khatri shared and explained that rivulets, ponds, and lakes are fed by surface runoff from rainfall.

“Water from rain ran through swales held between the land contours and reached the riverine system. land now is flat. Contours have been destroyed and rainwater collects in small cesspools or causes urban floods and dries up. Unfed lakes, mining’ deforestation and mindless urban sprawl, all are contributing to desertification,” he said.

What is desertification?

It is characterised by the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid zones primarily due to human activities and climate changes, which pose a substantial threat to the country. The Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India reports that approximately 30% of India’s total geographic area is afflicted by desertification. Given that over half of the Indian population depends on agriculture for livelihood, the repercussions of land degradation are particularly severe, impacting food security and economic stability.

Hence, the theme of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024 also places a strong emphasis on the power of partnerships across various sectors. Successful land restoration efforts necessitate cooperation among governments, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and local communities.

One way to combat desertification is to contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience, particularly in response to issues like desertification and drought. Utilizing sustainable materials that are locally sourced reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies. Materials like bamboo, recycled steel, and reclaimed wood are not only eco-friendly but also reduce the ecological footprint of construction activities.

By engaging in or organising local tree planting events, students can directly contribute to land restoration and the development of green spaces, crucial for sustainable communities. These activities not only enhance environmental health but also foster a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship among youth.

As we observe June 17 as World Day to Combat Desertification, it’s essential to recognise that each effort to preserve and restore our land secures a more stable and prosperous future for all.