Question.
Write about the Spatial Pattern of Soil Erosion in India.
(UPSC PYQ)
Answer.
Soil erosion refers to the removal of the top fertile layer of soil by natural agents like water, wind, and human activities. In India, soil erosion shows a distinct spatial pattern because of variations in climate, relief, vegetation, soil type, and land use practices.
India loses millions of tonnes of fertile soil every year, making soil erosion a major environmental and agricultural concern.
The spatial pattern of soil erosion in India is as follows:
1. Water Erosion Dominated Regions (Most Severe Type)
It is the most severe type of soil erosion, and the spatial distribution of the same is as follows:
Spatial Distribution:
- Himalayan Region
- Northeast India
- Western Ghats
- Eastern Plateau
Causes:
- Heavy rainfall
- Steep slopes
- Deforestation
- Shifting cultivation
Examples
- Severe erosion in the Assam and Meghalaya hills.
- Landslides and sheet erosion in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
- Soil loss in the Western Ghats of Kerala and Karnataka
This region experiences sheet erosion, rill erosion, and landslides.
2. Gully Erosion Region
Spatial Distribution:
- Chambal Basin
- Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
- Semi-arid plateau regions
Causes:
- Sparse vegetation
- Loose soil
- Irregular rainfall
Examples:
- Famous Badlands of Chambal Valley
- Ravine formation along the Yamuna and Chambal rivers
This type creates deep gullies, making land unfit for farming.
3. Wind Erosion Region
Spatial Distribution:
- Thar Desert
- Western Rajasthan
- Parts of Gujarat
Causes:
- Strong winds
- Dry climate
- Lack of vegetation
Examples:
- Sand dune movement in Jaisalmer and Barmer
- Desertification in the Kutch region
Wind erosion leads to sandstorms and soil fertility loss.
4. Coastal and Deltaic Erosion
Spatial Distribution:
- Coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu
- River deltas like the Ganga-Brahmaputra
Causes:
- Tidal waves
- Cyclones
- Sea currents
Example:
- Coastal erosion in Sundarbans
- Delta soil loss during cyclones
5. Human-Induced Erosion Zones
Spatial Distribution:
- Overgrazed lands in Rajasthan
- Mining regions in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
- Deforested areas in Central India
Causes:
- Deforestation
- Overgrazing
- Mining
- Faulty farming practices
The spatial pattern of soil erosion in India reflects the country’s diverse geography and human activities. While water erosion dominates humid regions, wind erosion affects arid areas, and gully erosion is severe in semi-arid plateaus. Effective measures like afforestation, contour farming, and sustainable land use are essential to control soil erosion and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
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