Page 136 - Haryana Water Resources Atlas 2025
P. 136

Soil Erosion






                                                                                                                N


                                                                                                          W          E

                                                                                                                S

                 oil erosion, the gradual removal of the topsoil layer by                                      Scale
                                                                                                                            Kms
                 natural  forces  such  as  wind,  water,  or  human                             0  12.5 25   50     75    100
            Sactivities,  is  a  critical  environmental  concern  that
            profoundly  impacts  land  productivity  and  ecosystem
            health. Soil Erosion Map of Haryana (Figure 92) provides a
            comprehensive  visual  representation  of  the  erosion
            susceptibility across the state, crucial for informed land
            management and conservation efforts.

            The map delineates Haryana into distinct classes based on
            soil erosion values, ranging from 0.1 to > 8 t/ha/year with
            six  categories  capturing  the  diverse  erosion  intensities.
            Haryana,  predominantly  characterized  by  a  flat
            topography,  experiences  minimal  soil  erosion,  with  the
            majority of its expanse falling within the 0.1 to 1 t/ha/year
            range. However, two noteworthy regions deviate from this
            norm. The northernmost border, encompassing Panchkula
            and  Yamunanagar  exhibits  heightened  erosion  rates
            ranging  from  1  to  >  8  t/ha/year.  This  anomaly  can  be
            attributed to the sloping terrain of the region, nestled in
            the foothills of the Himalayas. The second significant zone
            lies along the border of Bhiwani and Hisar, characterized by
            desert areas featuring sand dunes. Here, substantial soil
            transport occurs, shaping the landscape with considerable
            erosion.

            Soil Erosion Map of Haryana serves as a crucial resource
            for strategic land management. By highlighting areas with
            varying  degrees  of  soil  erosion,  the  map  enables
            policymakers and conservationists to implement targeted
            interventions.  Precise  conservation  plans  may  be
            developed by knowing the unique problems that areas like
            the northern border and the desert areas around Bhiwani
            and  Hisar  face.  In  the  end,  the  map  is  essential  to
            maintaining  soil  integrity,  encouraging  sustainable
            practices,  and  guaranteeing  Haryana's  long-term
            environmental health.




















                                                                                                                  Figure 92. Soil Erosion
                                                                                                                                                                                    Data Source-HARSAC
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Haryana Water Resources Atlas     118|
   131   132   133   134   135   136   137   138   139   140   141