CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Spanning northwestern India and southeastern Pakistan, the Thar Desert has undergone a striking ecological transformation over the past 20 years. Recent research highlights a 38% annual increase in vegetation cover, largely attributed to enhanced monsoon patterns and the expansion of agriculture. This greening trend is particularly notable because it contrasts with the aridification seen in many of the world's other deserts.
Rising Rainfall Linked To Climate Change
From 2001 to 2023, the Thar Desert recorded a 64% surge in yearly rainfall, averaging an additional 4.4 mm of precipitation per year since the start of the century. The intensification of the summer monsoon has played a major role in this shift, supporting the spread of plant life. Among the world’s major deserts, only four, including the Thar, showed a significant increase in rainfall during this time frame.
Groundwater’s Vital Contribution
In addition to rainfall, groundwater resources have been essential to the Thar’s greening. The study found that on average, groundwater was responsible for 55% of annual vegetation growth, while rainfall contributed 45%. During the monsoon, rainfall became the dominant factor, supporting 66% of the greening. Conversely, in the dry months, groundwater's role intensified, accounting for 67% of the vegetative development.
Agricultural Growth And Its Effects
Agricultural activity in the Thar region has expanded considerably. Between 1980 and 2015, cropland areas increased by 74%, leading to a 24% rise in irrigated land. While Kharif crops benefit largely from monsoon rains, Rabi crops are sustained through irrigation. However, this agricultural boom has also triggered a significant decline in groundwater levels, caused by heavy reliance on extraction for irrigation.
Rapid Urbanisation And Demographic Pressures
Urban development in the Thar Desert has accelerated dramatically, with urban areas expanding by 50% to 800% from 1985 to 2020. This growth aligns with a sharp population rise, making the Thar the most densely populated desert in the world. Such demographic changes have increased pressure on the region’s natural resources and infrastructure.
Study Approach And Key Insights
The findings come from a comprehensive study by researchers at IIT Gandhinagar in collaboration with NASA. Using satellite imagery and ground-based data, they analyzed changes in vegetation and climate across 14 major deserts. The Thar Desert emerged as unique for simultaneously exhibiting growth in vegetation, rainfall, and population—an uncommon pattern not seen in other deserts.
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