The North Eastern Region (NER) of India is not an exception to the impact of land degradation. These states have seen varying degrees and types of damage. Many anthropogenic activities, such as mining for natural resources, stone quarrying, oil exploration, and other industrial operations, accelerate land degradation in this delicate ecosystem. These activities also include large-scale deforestation that results in changes in the forest cover, waterlogging, flooding, and soil and water erosion. Lime application, integrated nutrient management, integrated farming systems, agroforestry systems employing multipurpose trees, various soil and water conservation techniques, rehabilitation of contaminated soils, etc. are some of the approaches used to mitigate land deterioration in the area.

Land degradation, Acid soil, Soil erosion, Mining, Jhum, Soil conservation

The mountainous nature of the NER of India makes it a fragile ecosystem inherently vulnerable to land degradation. The slash-and-burn type of agriculture coupled with the heavy dependence of the majority of the population on forest products, and industrial and developmental activities accelerates deforestation, soil and water erosion, biodiversity, and even loss of human lives. Steps to mitigate land degradation should include measures that could reduce degradation vis-a-vis improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the ecosystem.

Immanuel C. Haokip, M. Homeshwari Devi, Sunil B.H., Mahima Dixit, Ampee Tasung and Yabi Gadi (2023). Land Degradation in the North Eastern Region of India and its Mitigation. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 473-479.