Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, Disaster and disaster management.
7) What do you understand by land degradation? Do you think restoration of degraded lands would also address water scarcity issue in the country? Discuss. (250 words)
Why this question:
In an address while hosting the COP -14 of UNCCD, prime minister Narendra Modi in his address said that this target would be achieved with an emphasis on “degraded agricultural, forest and other wastelands by adopting a landscape restoration approach.” This would also address water scarcity, enhance water recharge in forests, slow down water run-off and retain soil moisture.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain in detail clearly as to how restoration of degraded lands would also address water scarcity issue in the country.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In brief explain the excerpts of the speech.
Body:
Explain what you understand by land degradation.
Highlight the status of India and land-use – India faces a severe problem of land degradation, or soil becoming unfit for cultivation. About 29% or about 96.4 million hectares are considered degraded.
Discuss efforts made by India to tackle the issue.
Most importantly explain how addressing land degradation issues will also address the issue of water scarcity.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
