Context:
India’s semi-arid grasslands, long misclassified as “wastelands,” are emerging as critical ecosystems for climate resilience. Recent scientific evidence from Solapur (Maharashtra) and Banni Grassland (Gujarat) highlights that grassland soils, rather than tree plantations alone, play a decisive role in carbon sequestration, soil health, water regulation, and livelihood security, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
Key Highlights:
Re-evaluating Grasslands in India
- Grasslands were historically labelled as “wastelands” during British colonial rule.
- This perception continued post-Independence, marginalising grasslands in land-use policy.
- Grasslands are now recognised as:
- Biodiversity-rich ecosystems
- Livelihood base for millions of pastoral communities
- Crucial for soil formation and climate adaptation
Scientific Evidence & Data
- Solapur Grasslands Study:
- Restored grasslands recorded a 50% increase in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) within three years.
- Demonstrates rapid soil recovery compared to untreated areas.
- Banni Grassland, Gujarat:
- Stores 27 metric tonnes of carbon up to 30 cm soil depth.
- Average SOC density ~120 tonnes per hectare.
- Among the most carbon-rich arid ecosystems globally.
- IPCC Findings:
- Soils store twice as much carbon as the atmosphere and all living biomass combined.
Ecological Mechanisms
- Grasslands have deep, fibrous root systems that:
- Stabilise soil and prevent erosion.
- Enhance water infiltration and retention.
- Enable long-term carbon storage underground.
- Unlike forests, grasslands store most carbon below ground, making them resilient to fires and droughts.
Policy & Institutional Developments
- National Wastelands Development Board (1985):
- Classified grasslands as wastelands for “productive use,” leading to degradation.
- CAMPA (Maharashtra):
- Began using afforestation funds for grassland restoration.
- Shift from tree-centric to ecosystem-appropriate restoration.
- Emphasis on:
- Restoring native grasses
- Removing invasive woody species
- Community-led governance involving pastoralists
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue & Causes:
- Misclassification of grasslands, tree-centric climate policies.
- Government & Institutional Initiatives:
- CAMPA, National Wastelands Development Board.
- Benefits:
- Carbon sequestration, soil fertility, drought resilience, livelihood support.
- Challenges:
- Policy bias towards afforestation, land-use conversion, invasive species.
- Impact:
- Grassland restoration strengthens climate mitigation and adaptation simultaneously.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Key Concepts:
- Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Carbon Sequestration, Pastoralism.
- Static & Conceptual Linkages:
- Climate change mitigation strategies.
- Sustainable land management in arid regions.
- Governance Dimensions:
- Community participation in natural resource management.
- Reorientation of climate finance towards ecosystem-specific solutions.
- Economic & Social Aspects:
- Supports pastoral livelihoods.
- Reduces costs compared to large-scale tree plantations.
- Way Forward:
- Remove “wasteland” classification for grasslands.
- Integrate grassland restoration into India’s NDCs.
- Redirect CAMPA and climate funds to native ecosystem restoration.
- Empower pastoralist institutions in decision-making.
- Promote scientific mapping and valuation of grassland carbon stocks.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 3 (Environment & Ecology): Climate change mitigation, carbon sinks.
- GS 1 (Indian Geography): Grassland ecosystems, semi-arid landscapes.
- GS 3 (Economy): Livelihoods, sustainable land use.
- Prelims: SOC, carbon sequestration, CAMPA, pastoralism.