Land Degradation — Prelims Strategy
Prelims Strategy
For Prelims, focus on factual clarity and conceptual distinctions. Begin by mastering the precise definition of land degradation and differentiating it from related terms like desertification. Memorize the various types of degradation (soil erosion, salinization, waterlogging, chemical, physical) and their specific causes and indicators.
Pay close attention to key statistics, such as the percentage of degraded land in India and the dominant forms of degradation, along with their sources (ISRO, MoEFCC). Understand the core objectives and features of major government schemes related to land restoration (e.
g., PMKSY-WDC, NAP, Soil Health Card Scheme). Familiarize yourself with international conventions like UNCCD, the concept of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), and India's commitments under the Bonn Challenge.
Constitutional provisions like Articles 48A and 51A(g), and key environmental acts like the EPA, 1986, and NGT Act, 2010, are also high-yield areas. Practice MCQs that test your ability to identify correct statements, match pairs, and distinguish between similar concepts.
Focus on 'what' and 'how' questions, ensuring you can recall specific facts and figures accurately. Create flashcards for key terms, statistics, and scheme names. The RESTORE mnemonic can be particularly useful for quickly recalling mitigation measures.