Ravines Erosion Problem in Dhaulpur District, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

In India vast tracks of lands (20.17% of total geographical area) exists as wastelands.
In Thar Desert region of Rajasthan, land degradation is occurring at an increasing rate. The
region contains more than 2lacs sq. kms of arid land has a fast growing human population
and increasing livestock number, all of which accelerate damage to fragile arid landscape.
Soil and gully erosion have caused major environmental disasters worldwide. Many urban
and rural communities have been severely affected, while the sustainability of the total landscape
has been threatened. The present study juxtaposes the view of land degradation with the
increase in wasteland especially focused on gullies/ravenous land, in eastern most part of
Rajasthan where whole economy is dependent on agriculture. Here, land degradation is a
dominant problem. Over 40% area is affected by various categories of wasteland. Gully and
ravine erosion is severe problem along the river Chambal (only perennial river in state),
which has a calamitous effect on the agro-economical activities of the area. In addition to
this, salinity and degradation of forest are other problems causing degradation of land.
Government officials and committees should be constituted at village level to undertake
wasteland developmental planning with the involvement of village, block and district level
officials and are also required to assist the farmers. Yes, efforts are needed for bringing out
sustainable management planning that provides the clear insight into the real need of our
people.