Which is the major cause of land degradation in Punjab? (2024)

Answer:

• In Punjab the major cause of land degradation is over-irrigation.
• Over-irrigation leads to waterlogging which in turn leads to an increase in alkalinity and salinity in the soil.
• Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana also face land degradation due to over-irrigation.

Other Causes of Land Degradation in the Different States of India

• Overgrazing is the main cause of land degradation in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat.
• Deforestation caused due to mining activities is another major cause of land degradation in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh.
• The mineral processing like grinding of soapstone and calcite for ceramic industry and limestone for
  cement industry leads to the generation of huge quantity of dust in the atmosphere. It retards the
  process of infiltration of water into the soil after it settles down on the land.
• In recent years, industrial effluents as waste have become a major source of land and water pollution in many parts of the country.

Measures to Counter Land Degradation

• Proper management of grazing and afforestation.
• Planting shelter belts of plants can have control over overgrazing.
• Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment.
• Control on Mining activities.
• Growing thorny bushes for the stabilization of sand dunes.
• Over-irrigation should be avoided.

Check out the video given below to know more about deforestation

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