Rajasthan Soil Problems & Conservation GK
PART - 18: Soil Problems & Conservation in Rajasthan#
Detailed Index#
| Section |
Topic |
Exam Importance |
| 18.1 |
Soil Degradation: Basic Concepts |
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| 18.2 |
Mechanisms of Soil Erosion |
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| 18.3 |
Gully Erosion & Badland Topography |
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| 18.4 |
Desertification & March of Desert |
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| 18.5 |
The 'Sem' / Waterlogging Crisis |
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| 18.6 |
Industrial Waste & Chemical Pollution |
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| 18.7 |
Soil Conservation Methods |
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| 18.8 |
Government Policies & Projects |
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| 18.9 |
Key Exam Pointers |
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๐ 18.1 Soil Degradation: Basic Concepts
Soil Degradation refers to the decline in the physical, chemical, and biological quality of soil, which reduces its natural productivity and plant nutrition capacity.
| Concept |
Scientific Definition |
Status in Context of Rajasthan |
| Soil Erosion |
The detachment and transportation of the top fertile layer of soil from one place to another by external physical agents (wind, water, gravity). |
It is called 'Creeping Death of Soil'. A large part of the state's total geographical area is affected by erosion in some form or another. |
| Desertification |
The complete loss of biological productivity of land in arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid regions due to climatic changes and uncontrolled human interventions. |
The expansion of Thar Desert towards the east through the discontinuous gaps of Aravalli continues unabated. |
| Waterlogging ('Sem') |
The rise of groundwater level very close to the surface due to excessive irrigation or seepage, obstructing air circulation in roots. |
Major ecological problem of IGNP canal command area (Hanumangarh, Ganganagar). |
| Soil Contamination |
Destruction of soil fertility due to uncontrolled discharge of industrial waste, chemicals, and saline water. |
Soil toxicity in river basins by dyeing-printing industries (Pali, Jodhpur, Balotra). |
๐ 18.2 Mechanisms of Soil Erosion
In Rajasthan, the two main natural agents of soil erosion are Wind and Flowing Water. Their regional impact varies according to the state's geomorphological features:
[Main Forms of Soil Erosion in Rajasthan]
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โผ โผ
[1. Wind Erosion] [2. Water Erosion]
โข Affects largest area in the state โข Effective in Eastern & South-Eastern Rajasthan
โข Main factor: Fast summer winds / 'Loo' โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโผโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
โข Most affected: Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner โผ โผ โผ
[Gully Erosion] [Sheet Erosion] [Rill Erosion]
โข Chambal Basin/ โข Aravalli slopes โข In plains
Badlands โข Sirohi, Rajsamand โข Jaipur, Alwar
โข Kota, Dholpur
Comparative Table of Erosion Types#
| Erosion Type |
Main Driving Factor |
Mechanism |
Most Affected Districts |
Environmental & Agricultural Impact |
| Wind Erosion |
Intense winds (30-40 km/h), lack of vegetation, dry sand |
Displacement of sand particles by Saltation, Suspension & Surface Creep |
Jaisalmer (highest), Barmer, Bikaner, Phalodi, Jodhpur Rural, Churu |
Deposition of sand dunes on fertile fields; rapid increase in desertification. |
| Gully Erosion |
Heavy monsoon rains, steep slopes, deforestation, clayey nature of soil |
Cutting of surface by fast water currents creating deep channels & trenches |
Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Dholpur, Karauli, Bundi |
Formation of Badlands (Ravines) & devastated land; complete destruction of agricultural land. |
| Sheet Erosion |
Torrential rains, hilly slopes |
Uniform washing away of the topmost fertile organic layer of soil like a sheet |
Sirohi (highest), Rajsamand, Udaipur, Bhilwara |
Rapid erosion of soil nutrients and humus; farmers cannot easily identify it. |
| Rill Erosion |
Surface runoff of moderate rainfall |
Formation of thin finger-like channels in the field after sheet erosion |
Jaipur, Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur |
Temporarily leveled by plowing, but transforms into gully erosion if not controlled. |
๐ 18.3 Gully Erosion & Badland Topography
The most severe form of water erosion in Rajasthan is Gully Erosion, found mainly in the basin of the Chambal River and its tributaries (Kali Sindh, Parvati, Banas):
[Torrential Rain + Steep Slope] โโ> [Small Channels in Soil (Rills)]
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[Conversion into Deep Trenches (Gullies: 5 to 30 m deep)]
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[Badland Topography / Ravines]
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[Completely Unsuitable Gorgeous Area for Agriculture & Human Settlement]
1. Dang and Ravine Areas#
| Term |
Description |
| Ravines (Badlands) |
The complex of deep valleys, trenches, and mounds created by severe soil erosion by Chambal River is called 'Badland Topography'. |
| Dang Area |
The ravine-affected plateau and ravine-gorgeous area is locally called 'Dang'. |
| King of Dang |
Dholpur |
| Queen of Dang |
Karauli |
| District with Most Ravines |
Sawai Madhopur (In proportion to area: Dholpur) |
2. Historical Schemes for Ravine Reclamation#
| Scheme |
Description |
| Ravine Reclamation Programme |
Started in 1987-88 by Central Government in 8 districts of the state (Sawai Madhopur, Dholpur, Karauli, Bharatpur, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar). |
| Dang Area Development Programme |
Reorganized scheme by State Government for socio-economic upliftment of Dang area and stabilization of ravines. |
๐ 18.4 Desertification & March of Desert
1. Concept of 'March of the Desert'#
| Aspect |
Description |
| Definition |
The movement of Thar Desert beyond its original location (western Rajasthan) towards the north-east direction (Haryana, Punjab, Delhi & western Uttar Pradesh) is called 'March of the Desert'. |
| Direction of Expansion |
South-West to North-East (according to the general circulation direction of monsoon winds). |
2. Aravalli Gaps โ Gateways of the Desert#
[Western Desert] โโ(Fast Westerly Winds)โโ> [12 Gaps of Aravalli] โโ> [Eastern Fertile Plains]
โข Pushkar Gap (Ajmer)
โข Sambhar Gap (Jaipur)
โข Khetri-Singhana Gap
- The Aravalli range is a natural wall preventing the spread of the desert. However, due to uncontrolled mining, unscientific construction, and indiscriminate deforestation, about 12 major sensitive gaps have formed in the Aravalli chain (e.g., near Sambhar Lake, Pushkar Pass near Ajmer, Sikar-Jhunjhunu border).
- Through these gaps, dust-laden storms during summer are depositing sand in the eastern plains (Jaipur, Dausa, Alwar).
๐ 18.5 The 'Sem' / Waterlogging Crisis
With the arrival of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGNP) in western Rajasthan, while the Green Revolution came, on the other hand, it gave birth to a serious ecological disaster locally called 'Sem':
[Seepage from Unlined Canals of IGNP + Excessive Irrigation]
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[Seepage of Water Downward into Subsurface]
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[Impervious Hardpan of Gypsum/Pebbles 2-5 meters Below Surface]
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[Water Unable to Percolate Down โโ> Groundwater Level Rising Annually]
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[Surface Becoming Marshy + Salts Rising Up by Capillary Action]
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[Agricultural Land Becoming Permanently Barren / 'Sem']
| Point |
Description |
| Most Affected Village |
Badopal (Hanumangarh) โ This village is the largest center of Sem problem in the state. Thousands of acres of land here have turned into a marshy lake. |
| Other Affected Areas |
Pilibanga, Rawatsar (Hanumangarh); Suratgarh, Anupgarh (Sri Ganganagar); Nachna (Jaisalmer). |
| Indo-Dutch Project |
Project operated with technical & financial support of Netherlands (Holland) government for drainage and Sem relief in Keshoraipatan & Badopal area of Hanumangarh. |
| Bio-Drainage |
Lowering groundwater level by planting rows of high water-absorbing Eucalyptus trees in Sem-affected areas. |
๐ 18.6 Industrial Waste & Chemical Pollution
The lack of proper treatment of wastewater in Rajasthan's industrial centers has made agricultural land toxic:
| Industry |
Location |
Impact |
| Textile Dyeing & Printing |
Pali (Bandi River Basin) |
Chemical water containing sodium sulphate, caustic soda, and heavy metals (lead, chromium) from textile mills has permanently rendered nearby wells and farm soil barren. |
|
Jodhpur (Jojari River Basin) |
Groundwater and soil have become alkaline due to industrial waste. |
|
Balotra (Luni River Basin) |
Luni river basin polluted by industrial water. |
|
Bhilwara (Bedach & Kothari Basin) |
Increase in soil salinity due to textile processing. |
๐ 18.7 Soil Conservation Methods
Three levels of measures are taken to prevent soil erosion and degradation:
[Three-Dimensional Soil Conservation Measures]
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โผ โผ โผ
[1. Agronomic/Biological] [2. Mechanical/Engineering] [3. Vegetative/Forestry]
โข Contour Plowing โข Contour Bunding โข Shelterbelts
โข Strip Cropping โข Check Dams / Gabions โข Sand Dune Stabilization
โข Mulching โข Drainage Channels โข 'Green Wall of Aravalli'
1. Agronomic & Biological Measures#
| Method |
Description |
| Contour Plowing |
Plowing across the slope, so that each furrow acts like a small dam and slows down water flow. |
| Strip Cropping |
Growing strips of erosion-resistant crops (like Gram, Mung, Urad, Groundnut) between crops that promote erosion (like Maize, Bajra). |
| Mulching |
Covering the bare surface of the field with crop residues, dry grass, or plastic film, so that evaporation stops and raindrops cannot directly break the soil. |
| Crop Rotation |
Alternately sowing deep-rooted and shallow-rooted crops to maintain soil fertility (e.g., pulses after cereals). |
2. Mechanical & Engineering Measures#
| Method |
Description |
| Contour Bunding |
Building strong earthen bunds at fixed intervals perpendicular to the slope on hilly slopes. |
| Terracing |
Cutting steep slopes of Aravalli to create level steps. |
| Check Dams & Gabions |
Building small barrier dams at the mouth of gullies by filling stones in wire mesh or concrete to stop flowing soil there itself. |
3. Vegetative & Dry Forest Conservation Measures#
| Method |
Description |
| Shelterbelts / Windbreaks |
Planting rows of multi-layered trees and bushes perpendicular to the wind direction (SW to NE) in western Rajasthan. Suitable species: Khejri, Rohida, Vilayati Babool, Sudan Grass, Ardu. |
| Sand Dune Stabilization |
Making checkerboard pattern fences (Micro-windbreaks) on moving sand dunes with drying bushes (like Phog, Kair) and sprinkling seeds of Sewan grass and Kumut on them. |
๐ 18.8 Government Policies & Projects
1. Research & Technical Institutions#
| Institution |
Establishment |
Function |
| CAZRI (Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur) |
1959 (Reorganization of 'Desert Afforestation & Soil Conservation Station' established in 1952) |
Control of desertification, sand dune stabilization, dry horticulture & pasture management. |
| AFRI (Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur) |
1987 (Under Ministry of Environment & Forests) |
Forestry research & eco-restoration in arid & semi-arid regions. |
2. Specific Conservation Projects#
| Project |
Description |
| Aravalli Green Wall Project |
On the lines of Africa's 'Great Green Wall', developing a 5 km wide Green Belt on both sides of Aravalli range from Porbandar (Gujarat) to Delhi, to stop the eastern expansion of the desert. |
| Rajasthan Wasteland & Pasture Development Board |
Nodal agency for converting about one-third of the state's uncultivable/barren land into pastures (Gochar & Oran). |
| RAJAD Project (Canada-supported) |
Multi-purpose project for improving alkalinity & waterlogging through Sub-surface Drainage in Chambal Command Area. |
๐ 18.9 Key Exam Pointers
| Fact |
Description |
| Creeping Death of Soil |
Soil Erosion is called the silent and creeping death of soil. |
| Most Erosion Type |
In Rajasthan, maximum erosion is by wind (in western Rajasthan). |
| Most Water Erosion |
Gully Erosion by Chambal River is maximum. |
| Top District for Sheet Erosion |
Sirohi (due to steep slopes of Aravalli). |
| Center of Sem |
Badopal Village (Hanumangarh); Tree used for solution: Eucalyptus. |
| Queen vs King of Dang |
Queen of Dang = Karauli. King of Dang = Dholpur. |
| CAZRI Headquarters |
Jodhpur (Establishment Year: 1959). |
| Oran |
Sacred forests/pastures left in the name of folk deities (like Gogaji, Ramdevji, Tejaji) in rural areas of Rajasthan where cutting trees is socially & religiously forbidden; this is the oldest folk tradition of soil & biodiversity conservation. |
Exam Revision#
Creeping Death of Soil: Soil Erosion -> Main Natural Agents: Wind (Western Rajasthan, largest area - Jaisalmer) & Water (Eastern/SE Rajasthan) -> Water Erosion Types: Gully Erosion (Chambal basin, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Dholpur, Karauli), Sheet Erosion (Aravalli slopes - Sirohi), Rill Erosion (Plains) -> Dang Area: Badland topography / Ravines; King of Dang = Dholpur, Queen of Dang = Karauli -> March of Desert: SW to NE expansion through 12 Aravalli gaps (Pushkar, Sambhar) -> Sem (Waterlogging): IGNP command, subsurface Gypsum hardpan, Badopal village (Hanumangarh), Indo-Dutch project, Bio-drainage using Eucalyptus -> Industrial Soil Pollution: Bandi river (Pali), Jojari river (Jodhpur), Luni (Balotra) by textile dyeing -> Conservation Measures: Contour plowing, Strip cropping, Mulching, Contour bunding, Check dams & Gabions, Shelterbelts / Windbreaks, Sand dune stabilization (Sewan grass), Aravalli Green Wall Project (Porbandar to Delhi, 5 km wide), Oran (sacred groves) -> Institutions: CAZRI Jodhpur (1959), AFRI Jodhpur (1987) -> 18.9 Key Exam Pointers
rajasthan-gk, rajasthan-soils, soil-erosion, soil-conservation, creeping-death-of-soil, gully-erosion-chambal, sheet-erosion-sirohi, dang-dholpur-karauli, march-of-desert, sem-badopal-hanumangarh, indo-dutch-project, bio-drainage-eucalyptus, textile-pollution-pali, shelterbelts-windbreaks, aravalli-green-wall, cazri-jodhpur, afri-jodhpur, oran-sacred-groves