Desertification and Land Degradation in Indian Subcontinent: Issues, Present Status and Future Challenges

Abstract

The Indian subcontinent, comprising of seven countries, is heavily populated and has a large area under desertification and land degradation. The extent and severity of land degradation vary across this vast land area. The terms, desert, desertification, land degradation and degraded lands/wastelands have been elaborated. The causes, both proximal and underlying as well as the consequences of desertification are discussed. Indicators for mapping, monitoring and assessment of desertification and land degradation has been discussed. Methodology for mapping and monitoring of desertification and land degradation in the Indian sub continent, using satellite data, has been presented.