The security of human are believing on healthy lands supporting lives, livelihoods and ecosystems. But, about 40% of all land area worldwide already considered degraded. Drying of land, land degradation, desertification and drought are being environmental challenges today. It intensifies extreme weather events.
Over 1.4 billion people were affected by drought in the period of 2000 to 2019. The percentage of plants affected by drought has more than doubled in the last 40 years, with about 12 million hectares of land lost each year due to drought and desertification.
Since 1970, weather, climate and water hazards accounted for 50% of all disasters and 45% of all reported deaths. Tragically, 9 in 10 of these deaths occurred in developing countries, where drought led to the largest hum an losses during this period. The number and duration of droughts has increased by 29% since 2000, as compared to the two previous decades (WMO, 2021).
In Manipur, 25% of the total geographical area (TGA) i.e. 5,652 sq. km. have been reported under wasteland during 2015-16, of which 5,407 sq. km. was in hill districts i.e. about 27% of TGA in hill districts. Area under wastelands have in creased by 93.55 sq. km. in hill districts from 2008-09 to 2015-16 (Wastelands Atlas of India, NRSA, 2019).
Forest area of 543 sq. km. has been decreased in hill districts of Manipur state during 2011-2021, reported by State of Forest Report (FSI 2011 and 2021), about 44% of very dense forest area and 25% of moderately dense forest area h as been decreased in the catchment of Imphal River sub-water shed. Similarly, about 55% of very dense forest area, 21% of moderately dense forests area in Loktak sub-water shed and 25% of moderately dense forest area in Nambul River sub-watershed has also been decreased during 2011-2021, as reported. Deforestation, due to mass poppy cultivation at 11,288.07 acres i.e. 45.68 sq. km. area in hill districts during September 2023 and January 2024 is reported by Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre, which resulted many threats and a number of adverse impacts to t he ecosystem, including as soil erosion, a loss of biodiversity, changes in the local climate, etc.
Desertification and drought are driving forced migration, putting tens of millions of people each year at risk of displacement. Proactive measures, landscape restoration, sustainable water management, regenerative agriculture and dis aster preparedness can help mitigate the negative impacts of drought and ensure a better future. Such measures would reduce the estimated 700 million people at risk of being displaced by drought by 2030.
We all know what we need to do for mother earth and future generation. UN theme of this year focus to remind us that we must be “United for Land”. We should not forget “Our Legacy” for “Our Future”. This year, the UN theme spotlights the future of land stewardship – our most precious resource to ensure the stability and prosperity of billions of people around the world.
Calling upon all the governments, businesses, academics, communities and more must come together and act together to restore land and protect from desertification. It’s our responsible to protect mother earth, the only “one Planet” for future generation.
The article is published by Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur on June 17, 2024.
This is not a Ukhrul Times publication. UT is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any reports or views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times.
About The Author
