CHAPTER - III

NATURAL RESOURCE BASE

3.1 INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT

The region is well endowed with a number of natural resources. Although

it has a broader uniformity in its naturai ecological characteristics, it is diverse in

geological history, micro-climates and physio-biotic resources. The natural

endowment in terms of abiotic and biotic resources is generally referred to as

·natural resources'. Such resources form the backbone of the economy. 'Natural

Resource' is a broad term. The land area, soils, rivers, ground-water, vegetal cover,

rocks and minerals, livestock - altogether are termed as the resources. In other

words, all these natural resources together constitute the base for economic

development. Natural resources are the basis for the economic strength and

prosperity of the people. The quantum of utilisation of the natural resources

depends on the level of technology. The presence of natural resources does not

necessarily mean economic development. An extensively widespread an area of

7,656 thousand hectares made up of fertile alluvial soil, is a large natural resource.

There are small areas under hill ranges in the northeastern and old denuded hill

ranges in the south. The semi-arid area in the southwest has sand dunes and desert

soils. Such topographic diversity guarantees for different economic activities. The

plain land area provides an opportunity for crop farming. The hilly areas are a

storehouse of natural resources as well as they are important from an ecological

point of view. The hilly areas of the Aravalli 's and the Siwalik hills have rich

mineral resources and forest.

Nature has been bountiful m endowing Indo-Gangetic Divide and the

adjoining region with abundant natural wealth in the form of some of the most

fertile and extensive agricultural lands. This resource is not only vast in value but

it is very rich in variety and possesses a great potential for supporting a variety of

the agro-based industries. Grasslands are widely spread which can provide a good

60

base for pastorai activities. There are nearlv 16.38 million animals as the total

livestock wealth. The mineral wealth is immense, varied and, in many cases. of

high grade and quality, in respect of non-ferrous minerals. In respect of other

minerals such as ferrous minerals. the resources are very substantial. It is, however,

no exaggeration that the region possesses an immense store of natural wealth for

all kinds of production. Besides the natural wealth, there is an enormous valuable

quantity and quality of the skilled and semi-skilled human resource potentiality.

Moreover, the resource utilisation is inter-linked with the overall system ar.d

organisation of the economy and economic growth. The resources are generally

distributed in a multivariate regional setting. The approach for the entire resource

base as an entity suggests measures for a rational use of the resources for an

integrated regional development. The natural resources have also played a

preparatory role in a micro or a macro regional development.

The spatial variation in resource endowment and consequent disparities in

the levels of development is a universal phenomenon. The criterion of renewability

is of great significance. Any classification scheme of resources based on the

criterion of renewability takes care of the exploitation strategy on resources. The

renewability can avoid the grim consequences of scarcity and depletion of

resources. In fact, the renewable resource system occur in an ecological flex. Their

sustainability depends on natural harmony between them and the human activity.

There exist the essential inextricable linkages between different resource systems.

In view of this, it is only through careful coordination between the environmental

science (understanding of the biosphere) and the environmental technology

(manipulation skills of man) that optimisation of welfare could be achieved through

rational resource use (Muthoo, 1970). The problem of resource management with

special reference to conservation policy and resource planning needs special

consideration. However, it advocates that a rational plan should be the outcome of

an integrated analysis of the limiting role of socio-cultural, ecological and

economic factors made in the context of the total environment and should ensure

perfect harmony between regional and developmental objectives.

61

There are different resource utilisation schemes which have been formulated

on a conceptual frame within which a rational utilisation of resources becomes

possible as well as meaningful in the perspective of sustainable development

strategies for ecodevelopment. In view of this, however, the main objective of the

present chapter is to work out an inventory of natural resources. All the resources

have been systematically classified on the basis of their areal location. An

assessment has also been made of the present state of each critical natural resource

utilisation. The present situation greatly warrants the need for natural resource

conservation. There is widespread destruction and depletion of vast resources at a

faster pace leading to ecological degradation. Modern technology can be useful for

maximum utilisation as well as exploitation of the existing resources. However, the

environment-friendly technology can play a vital role for the sustainable

development as well as proper resource utilisation on the one hand and the

sustainable functioning of ecosystem on the other hand.

3.2 SOIL RESOURCES

The soil formation and development of soil profile is very closely connected

with the fluvial and aeolian geomorphological processes. Thus, the soil genesis can

very well be assessed in the light of geomorphological analysis (Pofali and

Hirekeren, 1984 ). The entire Indo-Gangetic Divide and the adjoining region has

been formed by the alluvium brought by the Himalayan rivers over periods.

Because, it is situated towards the depression of the Indus and Ganga rivers. Its

broad level plain is standing nearly on the watershed between the two river basins.

This is a vast ground of moist land. The alluvium belongs to the old type. The

alluvium contains proportions of sand, clay, silt and hard calcareous concretion

about the size of nuts which is known as 'Kankar'. However, the diversity of the

physiography is reflected in the diversity of soils for the region as a whole.

The soil classification based on the physiographical characteristics for

different parts i.e. the Haryana - Punjab plain has been categorised into many soil-

62

geographical zones (Duggal, 1970). So the soils are classified into three broad

groups: mainly the alluvial, desert and mountain soils. Alluvial soils by and large

are found most extensively. These soils are deposited by the alluvial action of the

rivers; therefore, it is termed as the riverine alluvium. It is one of the predominant

soils in the plain, along the river valleys. The older alluvium known as 'Bangar'

are not subjected to inundation but newer alluviums known as 'Khadar' are

deposited along the flood plains of the rivers. Besides this, a criterion is adopted

to classify the soils of the plain to the west of Ghaggar river, on the basis of soil

productivity index termed as 'Soil Rating Index' which is used to divide them into

four index zones. The zone of most fertile soils is confined to Ludhiana district

alone. There extends a fairly rich soils zone over the districts of Patiala, Ferozpur

etc. A moderately rich soil zone comprises of Bhatinda, Faridkot and Sangrur

districts. The low index zone includes the district of Rupnagar (Singh and Sohal,

1986). The soils of Ghaggar-Saraswati plain in Haryana is alluvium with varying

fertility due to various physiographic reasons. The classification of soils into the

silty, clay, silty loam, loam and sandy loam is based on their texture. The chemical

analysis shows that the pH value of the soil in Ghaggar-Saraswati plain ranges

between 7.0 to 8.5 ppm. (Sobal, 1984 ).

The flood plains of the Yamuna and the Ghaggar are formed by the

deposition of newer alluvium. Such areas are locally known by the name 'Khadar'.

In other words, the Khadar region is formed by the deposition of alluvium of one

of the recent type. However, there are two sub-types of the soils of the alluvial

tract, the alluvial loam and the calcareous clayey alluvial. These soil tracts are

identified with the low lying younger flood-plain alluvial locally known as Khadar

on the one hand and the older alluvial seldom liable to inundation known as Bangar

on the other. Annual siltation in the former case is apt to revive its fertility, while

the latter is prone to more leaching, requiring recurrent manuring to maintain the

fertility status. The Khadar soils are richer in humus. The soils in the western

terrain-Yamuna tract have some peculiar distinguishing chemical properties in

general (Gupta, 1973).

63

There is a Nale tract in the Kamal district which is formed by the overflow

of the Ghaggar river streams. The land on either banks has been transformed into

hard clay. Such land gives little yield without heavy floods. A remarkable

difference in soils lies between the younger or newer alluvium of the flood plains

and the older alluvium beyond the high banks. The clay contents are high in the

younger soil. The older alluvium is covered by layer of sand because it is more

accessible to the bagar belt. The wind plays an important role as an agent of

transportation and deposition of the sandy soil away from and over adjacent areas

especially to bagar belt. On the other hand, the Kallar or Reh area, as are badlands,

is lying in the Sutlej bet. Generally, such area's soils are formed due to the

impregnation of the Saline and Alkaline compounds in the upper layers of the land.

In the region, Haryana and Punjab parts have large expanses of sandy soil

which has developed in situ due to prevailing semi-arid conditions. But, in some

cases, sand has also been deposited due to aeolian action. These soils lack in humus

content on the one hand but have, a certain high proportion of soluble salts. They

are liable to be subjected to acidity if over-irrigation is resorted to by farmers. The

human impact during the 19th Century has since influenced the morphology of the

plains (Naruse, 1985). The surface soil in Punjab part is characterised by aeolian

dust which is occasionally observed during the pre-monsoon summer months. The

wind-borne material appears to be responsible for contributing relatively high pH

(potassium hydrogen), EC (electrical conductance), CaCo3 (calcium carbonate)

equivalent and exchangeable sodium to the surface soil properties of the Punjab

part's soils (Sidhu et.al., 1976). On the other hand, the extent and distribution of

the aeolian sand deposits in Haryana part is correlated with isohyets of the places.

The morphological characteristics and physio-chemical properties of soils determine

the extent of recent aeolian sand distribution (Ahuja et.al., 1980).

The desert soils of Haryana's part in terms of micro-nutrient contents and

other soil properties was characterised as alkaline in reaction and low in organic

carbon content. For instance, the Mahendragarh district soils consists by the

64

desertic soils with sandy to loamy sand texture are found in the arid part and soils

belong to serozems soil group. The main problems are shifting sand dunes, severe

wind erosion, degraded pastures and scarcity of water (Roy et.al., 1970). The

Kankar occurrence with variable depth is not related to the water-table. It is present

not in the form of hard layer but is scattered in irregular patches within the pedous

and at lower depths. From their occurrence in recent landforms (levees, bars and

flood plains) which are lacking in pedogenic activity, development and aridity, it

is inferred that their formation is of primary origin (Ahuja & Khanna, 1984 ).

Apart from this, the soils on the dunes are deep, sandy, without

horizonation, whereas on the hummocky plain stability has allowed leaching of

lime and structural development. Soils of the flood plain formed by aeofluvial

action showed development of Cambric horizon, whereas soils of the plain showed

Nitric horizon. Soils in the Ghaggar plain have been formed as a result of

aeofluvial action and topography. The palo-climate, however, has minor variation

in soil profile development (Shyampura et.al., 1992). In the south-western part of

Bagar belt, the sand particles are blown by the wind and deposited in the form of

sand dunes. Such dunes are sometimes many metres high above the ground and

extend over many kilometres in length. The sub-regions adjacent to the Bagar belt

with fertile alluvial soil are being damaged due to covering of thin layer by sand

particles. In Bagar tract, the sand dunes and origin of dune sand takes place from

the Kaliana area of the Mahendragarh district of Haryana. (Biswas, 1966).

Bagar belt areas are useful for cultivation where sand does not collect due

to natural constraints. Such places are locally known as 'Tals'. So, the hagar belt

is formed by the light sandy soils. Underneath the soil, bottom is formed by the

loamy soils. The very reddish loam soil of plain known as the 'Rohi' is situated to

the west of the Bagar belt in tahsil Sirsa. The Hisar soils distinguish themselves in

the surroundings in terms of their physical and chemical properties (Khanna et.al.,

1963). Such lands are unproductive and useless from agricultural point of view.

The sandy soils are deficient in the nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. Bagar belt is

65

surrounded largely by calcareous kankar soil in the north and the east. The Kankar

layer occurs at a depth of 0.25 to 0.75 metres. Such soils are also deficient in

nitrogen, phosphorus and potash.

However, the broad pattern of soil orders and sub-orders by and large are

related by the pedologist to macro-regional and regional complexes of climate aad

vegetation, slope and regolith as have been illustrated in the above discussion (Rao,

1956). Consequently, the plain's soils have developed under hot and humid climate

over the bed rocks of complex nature, predominantly under the process of

laterization, chemical composition, texture, structure, reaction and plant food

contents, and bear large scale as well as local variations, in the plain's

environment.

3.2.1 CONSERVATION OF SOIL

Conservation of soils is important for keeping them productive. This is

possible by improved agricultural practices in different soils. Soil is an important

factor for the plant growth. The value of the land is fixed according to the fertility

of the soils. Soil is a renewable abiotic resource which can be replenished by

artificial means like manuring and fertilisers. There are many factors and causes

responsible for soil degradation such as unplanned deforestation, steep gradient,

faulty agricultural practices and overgrazing etc., which are most prominent in

different parts of the region. The erosion hazards are more severe in hilly areas and

semi-arid margins of the plain. The soil erosion, in the hilly area is checked by

terracing of slopes and highlands, control of cultivation, contour ploughing and

plugging the ravines and gullies to prevent the headward erosion. So, the tillage on

higher slopes has to be avoided. The regulation of water and check on

indiscriminate felling of trees is to be taken into consideration for soil conservation

in fragile semi-arid land system. So, the afforestation can play a very important

role in checking soil erosion on steep slopes. Planting of shelter belts and stubble­

mulching help in conserving the soils in semi-arid areas.

66

The pressure of livestock by controlling overgrazing in the pasture in hilly

and semi-arid areas has to be reduced in order to avoid overgrazing, are some of

the methods useful for reducing soil erosion in the semi-arid areas. Farmyard

manure, green manuring and chemical fertilisers help in maintaining soil fertility.

Moreover, the soil which have higher capacity to supply plant nutrients are called

fertile soils. Basically this fertility is the source which is utilised for crop farming.

The soils have naturally determined fertility as well as culturally induced fertility.

When the naturally determined fertility declines, it has to be replenished by adding

manures and fertilisers. The faulty management and agricultural practices lead to

the exhaustion of soil fertility. Erosion hazards also render the soil infertile.

3.3 WATER RESOURCES

Water as nature's resource has a geographical significance. Water resources

distribution is uneven. Nature's storage of water is in the form of running streams

and rivers, fresh water lakes and ground-water. Human ingenuity now makes a

better and greater use of water through irrigation canals and wells. However, water

is an important natural resource. It is vital for increasing the agricultural

production. The region is rich in water resources for irrigation. It is largely

required for domestic as well as industrial use. It is a vital input for generating

cheap hydro-electric power. Water is a precious and scarce resource, therefore, its

utilisation has to be planned. Water as a resource is not evenly distributed over

space and time. For instance, sometimes it is in plenty and sometimes it becomes

scarce. In some areas, it is abudently found. Whereas in certain areas it is scarcely

available. It is not only responsible for development in some areas but also brings

devastation in other areas. Moreover, the rainfall is an important source of moisture

supply to the plants and surface run-off. Rainfall is the major source of the

recharge of underground aquifers in the region.

67

3.3.1 SURFACE WATER

The other important source of water is the surface flow through rivers and

water contained in lakes and reservoirs. There are two perennial rivers - the Sutlej

and Yam una - which provide plenty of water throughout the year. The non­

perennial river Ghaggar originates from the Siwaliks, flows throughout the plains

of Punjab and Haryana parts and gets extinct into the deserts, leaving very fine

material at the terminal points and soluble salts in the soil (Talati et.al., 1975).

Rivers are fed by rainfall as well as snow melt. This water is harnessed by

damming the rivers and a number of multipurpose projects have been launched.

Agriculture is a major claimant of water as the assured supply of water through

irrigation reduces its dependence on rainfall which is highly variable and unreliable.

The need for irrigation is more actually felt in low rainfall areas of the Punjab and

Haryana parts of the region. However, besides a number of rivers, the Sutlej and

Yamuna largely combine to drain the Indo-Gangetic Divide and the adjoining

region as a whole. In spite of this, the greater part suffers from a lack of perennial

rivers. The drainage channels are inequitably distributed over the plains. This is a

direct result of the topography and climate. Except for a few streams at each end,

the drainage of the 161 kms. long Siwalik ridges between Sutlej and Yam una is

either dissipated in the field or converges in the Ghaggar. The Ghaggar of today,

although the only river actually piercing the Siwaliks between Sutlej and Yamuna,

is rainfed only. And at a short distance from the hills, it becomes non-perennial,

merely a monsoon river. Even its rainy season flow normally ceases at

Hanumangarh about 467 kms. from its source (Spate et. al., 1967).

It is noteworthy that the entire plain has an inland drainage system. The

Somb N adi and its tributaries, except the Boli in the extreme east of the hills while

coming down the Siwalik is captured by the river Yam una while flowing

southwards. A number of streams flow in south-westerly direction in broad sandy

courses scarcely under the surface. The channels of these streams vary in width

from 92 metres and less but some of them widen to more than 1600 metres. Most

68

of them remain dry during greater part of the year, but become perennial during

the rainy season (Singh, 1991 ). Such character obtains within an area of some 32

kms. below the hills of their origin. Almost all of them ultimately merge into the

non-perennial Ghaggar river. In southern part of the region, a number of inland

streams are flowing towards the north in the Gurgaon district from the Aravalli

outlier (Mukerji, 1975a). They are draining a small area with highly fluctuating

regime. Among them, the most significant streams from west to east are the Dohan,

the Kasautri, the Sahibi and the Indori. However, it is noteworthy to mention the

attributive significance of the notable rivers incorporating the drainage system of

the Indo-Gangetic Divide and the adjoining region is evidenced by the Fig. 2.4 as

is presented in the Chapter-H.

1. The Sutlej

The river Sutlej originates from Rakshas Tal near Mansarover lake. Sutlej

source is apparently fed by the underground water from the Mansarovar lake. In

its longitudinal section, it flows in a deep canyon cut in the soft fluviatile beds of

Nari Khorsum. This upper course of the river is distinctly arid and the river itself

appears to be misfit (Davies, 1940). It is about 360 kms. long while flowing all

along the demarcation of the north-western boundary of the region. It is one of the

most important perennial rivers. The river Sutlej flows draining extensive

peripheral areas throughout the year.

ii. The Yamuna

The river Yam una originates in the Hills of Kalesar. The river channel at the

upper course is loaded with pebbles, boulders and other such coarse materials. At

the upper course the water current is swift and strong (Verma, 1975). In the south

of Tajewala, the river's main streams run on the border of Sharnpur and

Y amunanagar districts as far off as Nawazpur in Y amunanagar district. A number

of small rivulets also exist which merely revive in the monsoon season. Most of

69

them generally dry up in the hot summer season. The river Yamuna can be termed

as watershed because on the east it separates Haryana State from the western Uttar

Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh State). The river Yamuna is one of the main sources of

irrigation to extensive tracts, particularly, the eastern tract in the region.

Y amunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kamal, Hisar and Rohtak districts etc. are drained by

the river Yamuna and its tributaries.

m. The Saraswati

The river Saraswati originates from the larger depression at Kaleswar in the

north of Mustafabad pargana of Chhachhrauli Tahsil. It remains insignificant in its

course of 32 kms. from its origin (Khosla 1987). The Saraswati river channel is

marked by a shallow depression and is lost in the sands. At Bhiwani, the Chautang

river joins it which helps in acquiring a continuous channel and becomes worthy

of being called a stream.

iv. The Ghaggar

The river Ghaggar originates in the sub-montane belt between the Sutlej and

Yam una. It enters plains as a rapid and variable mountain torrent. It passes near

Ambala and then towards a south-westerly course of about 113 kms. through the

Patiala district of Punjab. At this place it joins with the Saraswati, the Markanda

and other numerous hills torrents. Such hill torrents usually cross the Ambala and

Y amunanagar districts between the Sutlej and Yam una and then bend to west, cross

through the Hisar district. At this point, it is finally lost. The length of drainage of

the river is about 467 kms. from its place of origin (Singh, 1991 ). It is evident that

in the past it was probably the channel of a perennial stream. At that time it

conveyed a regime of much larger volume of water in comparison to the present

one. Some of them identified it with the Saraswati and the Drishdawati with others.

70

v. The Markanda

The Markanda is a rivulet of the Indo-Gangetic watershed. It flows across

the Ambala and Kamal districts. It is distinguished from the rest of the hill streams

in terms of its extensive floods and its deposit of silt. Sand is generally deposited

in the vicinity of the banks. Its surplus water flows into the Sarusa Jheel, where it

joins the Saraswati.

VI. The Sahibi

The Sahibi is a rivulet rising in the Mewat Hills near Manoharpur and

Jitgarh in south of the Aravalli outliers of the Hilly region. It flows in a broad

stream along the boundary of Alwar. On the way it crosses Alwar below

Shahjahanpur and enters Rewari near Kotquasim. It then passes through Jhajjar

tahsil of Rohtak district. It divides into branches at the village of Kutani in Rohtak

district and then joins near Sondhi. The united stream turns to the north again and

then passes through the Delhi territory. Thereafter, by way of a channel, it merges

into the river Yamuna.

vii. The lndori

The Indori rivulet originates near the old fort of Indore in the Mewat Hills,

west of the town of Nuh in Gurgaon district. It divides into two branches. The

main branch joins Sahibi Nadi on the southern border of Rewari tahsil. A number

of feeders of the north branch water collects and spreads over low-land around

Bhora. Then it falls into the Sahibi Nadi near Patandi. HoweveL during the

monsoon season all these rivulets flow with usually enough volume of water

whereas they almost dry up in the hot summer season. The water is occasionally

present upto the month of October. During rainy season, these rivulets cause

widespread damage. On the other hand, they also add up a great deal to the

prosperity by spreading a lot of rich clay over a larger area. Besides, the sub-soil

water level rises along the bed of these rivulets.

71

3.3.2 GROUND-WATER

Ground-Water is another important source of water and is more ubiquitously

available. The economics of ground-water utilisation through the use of traditional

and modem techniques has been practiced since long. The investment economics

and costing of diesel and electricity operated tube-wells irrigation system is suitable

in the alluvial plain. The water is available through dug-well, tube-well and devices

of lifting water. Besides, the availability of seasonal water, the underground water,

has its own significance. The region's geology and geomorphology extremely vary

from the south to northward. These physical characteristics add another important

dimension in the availability of the underground water. There is found vast

variability of the underground water-table depth in the region. The greatest water­

table depth is found in the southern part of the region. But the water-table depth

decreases towards north and again eastward in the plain. In general, the water-table

depth ranges 10 metres in the northeastern part of the region. The water-table depth

normally fluctuates during the seasons throughout the year. It is noteworthy that

there is extensive use of modern technological inputs to irrigate the agricultural

fields like electric and diesel pump-set etc. Hence, during a particular season, it is

observed that the water-table depth decreases because underground water is

extracted to irrigate the field. On the other hand, it is evidenced from the

researches and investigations that there is an increase in sub-soil water level in

many areas of the region, particularly in the northern plain. For instance, near

Bhatinda district, the sub-soil water level recorded in 1895 was 45 metres. But over

the time, the sub-soil water level depth has persistently risen to a depth of above

21 metres. It is anticipated that if this sub-soil water level continued to rise then

it may occur at a depth of about 10 metres (Singh, 1991 ). A concerted effort has

been made to utilise the water resources for agricultural purposes by developing the

irrigation facilities since 1951 under different Five year plan periods.

72

3.3.3 CONSERVATION OF WATER

There is a pressing need for conservation of water resources. The major task

1s to reduce the run-off and evaporation losses. Over-irrigation leads to the

deterioration of soils. Salinity and alkalinity are the outcomes of misuse of water.

The sprinkler and drip irrigation may prove to be better techniques of applying

water to crops. The effluents from settlements and industrial establishments form

major pollutants for the water bodies. Recycling is essential to economise the water

use. Flooding causes damage to life and property of people. Water intensive crops

should be avoided in dry areas to save them from waterlogging and salinisation.

The methods of dry land farming should be experimented on the basis of the local

conditions.

Ground water is an important source for sustenance of life and agronomic

prosperity. Surface water is suitable for "drinking and irrigation purposes. Whereas

the ground-water in 65 per cent aquifer is highly mineralised with total soluble

salts (TSS) over 3200 ppm." in southern hills ofthe region (Chatterjee, 1985). The

increasing exploitation of water and its excessive use for irrigation have degraded

and depleted the productivity of vast alluvial plains. Due to development of

sodicity in the soils, a hard crust has developed and large hectareage of the fertile

land has turned into waste land which are not capable even to grow the salt tolerant

grass species. However, the utilisation of water resources for different purposes like

irrigation, domestic and industrial water supply and problem of distribution and

management arising therefrom have received attention recently in the region.

3.4 FOREST RESOURCES

Forests are renewable resources. They perform both the productive as well

as the protective functions to the nature. Forests provide a number of products such

as the industrial wood, timber, fuelwood, fodder and other minor products. So, all

these products are economically valuable. On the other hand, forests play an

important protective role by way of reducing soil erosion, regulating the channel

73

flow of water, controlling floods and enriching genetic reserve of flora and fauna

in the nature. Above all, the forests play a major role in improving the quality of

environment. The National Forest Policy, 1988, has greatly emphasised on the

forests role in maintaining the ecosystem. Among the objectives mentioned, it is

"to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including

atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms -- human,

animals and plants. The derivation of direct economic benefits must be

subordinated to this principle aim".

In terms of natural vegetation, the region is the least forested. Previously

there were extensive areas covered with natural vegetation. For instance,

particularly in the northeast i.e. the sub-montane belt right from the bank of

Yam una to the Sutlej and the Aravalli Ridge in the south-east, large part of this

vegetation has been removed. Besides this, the tropical thorn forest extensively

spreads over the greater part of the plains. Such type of natural vegetation is

localised within the more arid south and south-western parts of the plain. It is

noteworthy to mention that the two factors responsible for the poor vegetal cover

are the prevailing aridity and long human occupance of the plain. The tropical dry

deciduous forests are common in the zone having more than 40 ems. of annual

rainfall (Puri, 1960). Xerophytic and the thorn forests reappear in a narrow tract

on the sub-montane belt, especially in the Rupnagar district. The type of vegetation

in the dry thorn forests are such as the thorny bushes of Kikar or Babul (Acacia)

trees.

In the south and south-western margins of the plain, the dominant types of

forest are of the tropical dry deciduous type. Whereas, the Shisham, Deodar trees

are more abundantly located in the Sub-Siwalik belt (Gorrie, 1933). The Dhak

jungles are mostly localised in Kamal and the adjacent parts of Patiala district. On

the contrary, the Hilly Region in the south is nearly bare with natural vegetation.

The Hilly Region with an exception has the xerophyatic vegetation which seems

to survive in the form of stunted trees and shrubs, bushes etc. and other thorny

74

succulent woody plants. During rainy season grass springs up. Over-exploitation

of the natural vegetation by way of overgrazing and removal of tree species for

commercial and fuel purposes and cultivation of marginal lands like the sand dunes

etc. has led to a series of ecological changes in the fragile ecosystem (Saxena,

1977). Consequently, the region has been left with little forest area.

The natural forest covered area was about 2, 763 sq. kms. during I 980-81

which a decade later grew up to 2,854 sq. kms. in 1990-91. In other words, the

forest cover to geographical area constituted a small proportion of merely 2.96 per

cent which increased marginally to 3.32 per cent from 1980-81 to 1990-91 periods

respectively. A growth rate of3.29 per cent was recorded in the forest covered area

during 1980-81 to 1990-91 period as is clearly evidenced from Table 3 .4. The

forest cover was not uniformly widespread over the region's entire area, but it was

limited geographically into two belts i.e. the Aravalli ridges in the southern

extremities and the Siwalik Hills in the northeastern part. The sub-montane or

Siwalik Hills region has accounted for the largest forest cover of 55.95 per cent in

1990-91. In other words, both the Ambala and Yamunanagar with the proportion

of 32.60 per cent and Rupnagar with the share of 23.35 per cent, altogether

constitutes more than half the forests cover (55.95 per cent) of the entire region.

The second forest belt extends over the dissected as well as outcropped

Aravalli's ridges located in southern extremities. Both the Gurgaon and Faridabad

districts accounted for 9.05 per cent and the Mahendragarh and Rawari accounted

for 6.45 per cent; thus, all these districts altogether comprised more than one-tenth

or 15.15 per cent proportion of the total forest cover during 1990-91 period.

Whereas the remaining one-fourth proportion of 28.54 per cent was accounted for

by the plains. However, the vegetation of the Aravalli Ridges resembles in general

characteristics to the thorny scrub. Such vegetal cover is constituted by the Acacia,

Indigoflora and Cassia as the dominant genera having a poor percentage of tree and

shrub species (Vyas and Gupta, 1965). The vegetal cover is very thin and only a

few small trees can be observed here and there. Large areas are covered with

75

scrubs which are thorny and have a stunted growth. "It is believed to have been

covered with a grass type of vegetation interspersed with trees of Acacia, Propois

and other genera which have been reduced to a desertic condition by centuries of

overgrazing, burning and the cutting of trees and bushes for fuel or to provide

emergency feed for livestock" (Dinkson, 1957).

Area under forests is classified according to ownership such as the State and

Private. Forests owned by corporate bodies and private individuals have been

included under private forests. Furthermore, the area under forests in also classified

according to legal status, such as 'Reserved', 'Protected' and 'Unclassed'. Reserved

forests are permanently dedicated either to the production of timber or other forest

produce and in them the right of grazing and cultivation is seldom allowed. In

protected forests these rights are allowed subject to certain restrictions. Unclassed

forests include non-exploitable forests which owing to physical conditions or for

other reasons have no prospect of being used as forests, area serving only

protective purposes, and area permanently destroyed as forests but not yet

converted to other land uses.

With the growing concern over the different environmental issues, the

afforestation has recently attained the special significance. In the region, both the

authorities i.e., the State Forests and the Private Forests authorities have been

entrusted assignments for afforestation as well as for careful management of the

forest covered areas. The largest forest covered area was under the State's Forest

Department occupation which is about three-fourth (75.02 per cent) during the

period 1990-91. Out of this notified forest area, about 8.83 per cent is classified as

reserved, 59.88 per cent as protected and 6.31 per cent as unclassified (others)

forests. Whereas the remaining one-fourth which constitutes about 24.99 per cent

forest cover was under the occupation of Private Forest management authorities

during the period 1990-91. Besides this, the forest covered area remained more or

less as it is over the periods from 1980-81 to 1990-91 as is clearly evidenced by

Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1. The periodic comparison of the forests figures reveals

that the States Forest Department was able to generate forest cover as is evidenced

76

by the growth rate of 7 .I 0 per cent during 1980-81 to 1990- 91 period. Whereas

the Private Forest management authorities were careless, therefore, a slight decline

in forest covered area is observed as is also witnessed by the growth rate of -6.67

per cent during 1980-81 to 1990-91.

Table 3.1: Forests area classification for the period 1980-81 and 1990-91

Classification Forest Area

---------------------------------(in sq. kms.) (in per cent)

1980-81 1990-91 1980-81 1990-91

1. State Forests: 1999 2141 72.35 75.02 i. Reserved 229 252 8.29 8.83 ii. Protected 1644 1709 59.50 59.88

iii. Others 126 180 4.56 6.31

2. Private Forests: 764 713 27.65 24.98 i. Closed under 57 30 2.06 1.05

Indian forest act. ii. Closed under land 707 683 25.59 23.93

preservation act

Total Forests Area 2763 2854 100.00 100.00

Source: Above table compiled and based on the Statistical Abstracts of Haryana and Punjab States for the period 1980-81 and 1990-91.

However, the latitudinal extent of the region has ensured a great variety of

vegetation types from southern semi-arid sandy tract towards the northern sub­

montane Siwalik Hills Region. There is also great regional diversity in the foliage

cover. Thus, the area under forest losses meaning as one sq. km. of forest in south

Aravalli Hills is not comparable to one sq. km.of forest in the north (Siwalik

Hills). In the drier parts, the vegetal cover comprises as from tropical deciduous

trees to thorny bushes. There is altitudinal change in vegetation in Siwaliks. The

valley bottom has broad leaved deciduous trees. The coniferous vegetation extends

towards the higher slopes. Generally, thick forest cover is either confined to

77

Forests

State Forests:

Reserved

Protected

Others

Private Forests:

Closed Under IFA

Closed Under LPA

IFA •Indian Forests Act.

Forests Classification 1980-81 & 1990-91

0 20 40 60

Forests Area in %

-1980-81 -1990-91

LPA • Land Preservation Act.

78

--ll

75.02

80 100

Fig. 3.1

inaccessible areas or in the areas of low density of population in the Siwalik

region. The monsoon forest comprising tropical deciduous vegetation, extends

between the rainfall zone of 100 em. and 200 em. in north of the region. They

have some of economically valuable tree species. The alluvial plain tract is devoid

of forest cover due to higher pressure of population and continuous extensions of

the cultivated land.

3.4.1 CONSERVATION OF FORESTS

Due to the growing competition for land grabbing for different uses, the

conservation of forests is essential for ecological security. Forest resource is the

store-house for fuel, fodder, timber and other raw materials for the small-scale and

large-scale forest-based industries. Besides the afforestation programmes of the

Forest Departments, the Social Forestry, Farm Forestry and Production Forestry

programmes have been introduced to augment the area under forest cover. But the

impact of these programmes is reflected through the survival rates of the plants.

The people are becoming aware of the need for conservation of the forests. The

National Forest Policy, 1988, envisages to associate - people living in the vicinity

of forests with the process of protection, regeneration and development of forests.

Hence, a two-pronged drive from the Siwalik slopes in the north and the

dissected out-cropped hilly and sandy tracts in the south should be launched to

increase the forest cover. Selection of the sites and the techniques to be applied for

maintaining and establishing tree covers is important for afforestation. Overgrazing,

deforestation, engineering constructions and unplanned construction on the dunes

tops accentuated much of the ecological disorder in Aravalli hills gaps. So, the

prevalent ecosystemic hazards and further degradation of land can be arrested by

adopting scientific land use pattern and afforestation, predominantly across the

79

prominent wind directions (Raghav, 1988). However, the ma_1or atms of

afforestation are to stop the soil erosion and shifting of sand dunes, to provide

greenery shades near settlements, to provide shelter for agricultural crops and

grazing animals against the adversities of the desertic climate (Karschon, 1964 ).

Most of the refactory habitat types, viz., the rocky and semi-rocky habitats need

to be afforested with the suitable shrub and tree species such as the Prosopis

Juliflora. Shallow alluvial soils overlying hard calcareous pan can be successfully

afforested with Acacia Arabica, Albizza Lebbek and Azadurachtra Indica. Whereas

for afforestation of shifting sand dunes, Ailanthus Excelsa, Albizza Lebbek,

Calligium Polygomodes, Dalbergia Sisso and Prosopis species genera are suitable

(Bhimaya et.al., 1963-64).

3.5 MINERAL RESOURCES

Mineral resources are used in many industries as raw materials. Minerals are

of two types i.e., metallic and non-metallic. Iron ore is metallic mineral while

limestone and dolomite are non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals are further

sub-divided into ferrous and non-ferrous minerals. Those metallic minerals which

have iron content belong to ferrous group. The metallic minerals belonging to non­

ferrous group do not have iron content. Most of the minerals have certain unique

characteristics. Distribution of minerals on the surface of the earth in some regions

has large deposits of certain minerals, while the others do not have any deposit.

The Indo-Gangetic Divide and the adjoining region is well endowed with many

minerals as is evidenced by Table 3.2 and Figure 3 .2. In 1990-91, the total value

of minerals produced was rupees 86.36 million, as against the total value of 100.51

million in 1980-81. The region is rich in non-ferrous metallic mineral resources.

It is covered with thick layers of alluvium which has completely concealed the

80

bedrocks. But, it is poor in metallic mineral resources. In other words, the region

is self-sufficient in minerals for making cement such as dolomite and limestone;

chromite, marble and other building stones, sodium salts and precious stones. On

the basis of the existing level of knowledge of occurrence, it is deficient in copper,

lead, zinc, tin, nickel and tungsten etc. The demand for these minerals is met by

importing them from other parts of the country. Iron ore is an important raw

material for basic industry. Hence, this resource distribution has recently been

unearthed in the Mahendragarh district. This district has produced 2.00 thousand

metric tonnes of iron ore in 1990-91.

Both the mining/quarrying and manufacturing activities are pollution prone

which deteriorate air and water quality and other ingredients of the environment.

A large stock of mineral resources like the calcite, kaolin natural, dolomite,

feldspar, limestone, limekankar. quartz, slate, silica sand etc. were estimated in rich

quantity. The overall minerals production has phenomenonally increased about

three-fold from 422.01 thousand metric tonnes to 1229.44 thousand metric tonnes

from 1980-81 to 1990-91 resptxtively. Fertiliser industry involving both mining of

pyrites and production of feniliser activities are pollution-prone (Gupta et.al.,

1989). Limestone and limekankar are the main ingredients for the cement and allied

industries. Production of these minerals has accounted for 97.57 per cent and 47.84

per cent of the total production during 1980-81 and 1990-91 periods respectively.

Most of the limestone was quarried from the only mines in district Ambala in the

north and the district Mahendragarh in the south. Bhiwani district is important for

quarrying the lime kankar of which production accounted for merely of 2.95 per

cent. Silica sand and sand production together accounted for 49.35 per cent during

1990-91. Whereas the kaolin narural or china clay registered a production of merely

2.37 per cent of which most of the proportion is contributed by the Faridabad

81

district. Silica sand is also quarried from the Faridabad district. Besides this, among

the metallic minerals, iron ore production has accounted for 184 thousand metric

tonnes in 1990-91 from the Mahendragarh district.

Table 3.2: Production of Minerals During 1980-81 to 1990-91

Minerals Quantity Value

(in 000 mts.) (in per cent) (in 000 Rs.) 1980-81 1990-91 1980-81 1990-91 1980-81 1990-91

Calcite Neg. - - - Neg. -

Dolomite - - - - - -

Feldspur 0.52 - 0.12 - 26 -

Iron Ore - 2.00 - 0.16 - 184

Kaolin (Natural) 8.93 29.09 2.12 2.37 210 1910

Lime Kankar 4.55 36.22 1.08 2.95 71 3737

Limestone 407.20 552.00 96.49 44.89 11169 44785

Quartz 0.45 0.13 0.11 0.10 11 7

Sand (others) - - - - - -

Silica Sand - 601.41 - 48.92 - 19909

Slate 0.36 5.28 0.08 0.43 169 4650

Sulphur - 3.31 - 0.27 - 11180

TOTAL 422.01 1229.44 100.00 100.00 11656 86362

Source: Above table compiled and based on the Statistical Abstracts of Haryana and Punjab States for the period 1980-81 and 1990-91.

82

Minerals

Calcite

Dolomite

Feldspar

Iron Ore

Kaolin (Natural)

Lime Kankar

Limestone

Quartz

Sand (Others)

Silica Sand

Slate

Sulphur

0

Production of Minerals 1980-81 & 1990-91

Value in 000 Rupees

10 20 30 40

0 100 200 300 400 500

Quantity in 000 mts.

50

600

- Quantity 1980-81

D Quantity 1990-91

E Value 1980-81

B Value 1990-91

Fig. - 3.2

83

60

700

3.5.1 CONSERVATION OF MINERALS

The New sophisticated technology ensures maximum utilisation as well as

the natural resource conservation. The development of non-conventional energy

resources leads to the conservation of mineral resources. Mineral resources are

exhaustible resources. Their exploitation can be conserved by the sophistication in

mining technology. Recycling of some of the metals may help in reducing the

waste and conservation of mineral resources. However, the increasing mining and

quarrying activities for the sandstone, limestone, gypsum and fuller's earth etc. has

each one degraded the fragile landforms (ecosystem) resulting into water pollution,

air pollution and soil pollution (Saxena, 1985). However, the investigation proves

that the relative dust capturing capacity of plants species underscores the

importance of plants in mitigating dust pollution in the environment (Khan et.al.,

1989).

3.6 LIVESTOCK RESOURCES

The permanent pasture and grazing lands account for 25 thousand hectares

which constitutes an insignificant proportion of 0.33 per cent of the region's

geographical area in 1990-91. On the contrary, if the fallow land and other

uncultivated waste lands are also included in the pasture land, it works out to about

335 thousand hectares or 4.37 per cent in 1990-91. But such figures of 286

thousand hectares or 3.3 7 per cent for 1980-81 are found to be comparatively low

as is clearly evidenced from Table 3.4. The seasonal variation in moisture

conditions cause variation in grass cover and carrying capacity of the pasture land.

Besides this, it is noteworthy to mention that nearly one third or 32.00 per cent of

the permanent pastures and grazing lands are concentrated among the districts of

Gurgaon, Faridabad and Mahendragarh etc. All these bordering districts form a

transition zone in terms of climate from arid to semi-arid all along the southern and

southwestern boundary ofthe region. However, in vast areas of natural pasture land

84

Table 3.3: Livestock Population During 1980-81 and 1990-91.

Animals Livestock Population Physiological Density/Hectarte

(in million) (in per cent) 1980-81 1990-91 1980-81 1990-91 1980-81 1990-91

Cattles 4.29 3.91 31.90 23.87 12.26 11.50

Buffaloes 5.82 7.25 43.27 44.26 16.63 21.32

Sheeps 1.17 1.32 8.70 8.06 3.34 3.88

Goats 1.09 1.05 8.10 6.41 3.11 3.09

Camels 0.19 1.69 1.41 10.32 0.54 4.97

Horses/Ponies 0.06 0.05 0.45 0.31 0.17 0.15

Others 0.83 1.11 6.17 6.77 2.37 3.27

TOTAL 13.45 16.38 100.00 100.00 38.35 44.34

Source: Above table compiled and based on the Statistical Abstracts of Haryana and Punjab States for the period 1980-81 and 1990-91.

the principal occupation is animal husbandry, particularly sheep, goat and camels

rearing. The soils and weather conditions cause great variation in fodder

productivity and the necessity of exploiting ground-water has been felt

(Chakaravarty, 1969). Still such need is felt all over the hills in southern tract.

Most of the central and southern parts are more suitable for mixed farming with

equal weightage to livestock rearing with silvipasture and grassland development.

Presently, major emphasis is given to agriculture due to pressure on land,

vegetation and animals. The total livestock population exceeds human population

(in 1980-81) and density of livestock on the cultivated lands, on permanent pasture

and grazing lands and per unit of human population is comparatively higher

(Malhotra et.al., 1972).

85

Total livestock population accounted for 13.45 million in 1980-81, whereas

their number marginally increased during 1990-91 which accounted for 16.3 8

million. It is a noteworthy fact that a little over one-third of the livestock

population (37.24 per cent) was concentrated in the southern portion which is

comprised by Rohtak, Jind and other southern districts in 1980-81. But, over the

period, the scenario of livestock population pressure remained unchanged. For

instance, the livestock population of 38.36 per cent was found to be concentrated

in the southern portion during 1990-91. As a result, the density of livestock

population was 38.35 animals per hectare of pasture and grazing lands (including

culturable waste and fallow lands) in 1980-81. Whereas the density of livestock

population more or less remained same during 1990-91 which was 44.34 animals

on each hectare of pasture and grazing lands as witnessed by Table 3.3. However,

it reflects a set of trends of environmental stress in the region fragile ecosystem.

The soil is intrinsically fertile, but suffers from lack of moisture. If adequate

provision of irrigation is made, large part of the southern portion can be turned into

good pasture land.

"Dairy Farming" has emerged as an important economic activity alongwith

"Green Revolution". Various factors affect the production, consumption, utilisation

and marketed surplus - in milk shed areas of Kamal. Buffalo and cattle constitute

more than half or 68.13 per cent of the livestock population in 1990-91. In the

main, the Buffalo population outnumbered the cattle population. In terms of actual

figures, buffalo population in comparison to cattle population was found to be

changed over decade as is clearly evidenced by Table 3.3. The buffalo and cattle

population was 23.87 per cent and 31.90 per cent of the total livestock population

which increased to 31.90 per cent and 43.27 per cent from 1980-81 to 1990-91

periods respectively. However, in order to give impetus to dairy development,

Operation Flood was initiated from July, 1970 into successive stages which is still

in operation. The Operation Flood is an integrated dairy development programme

based on milk cooperatives. Its major objective is to provide remunerative price to

86

the rural milk producers. This is one of the strategies for rural development

(Atkins, 1989). So, developing a remunerative "day farming" system in relation to

agro-socio-economic conditions is much suitable for the region.

Development of animal husbandry with a number of sheep, goats etc.

requires comparatively minimum maintenance because such animals can survive in

rigorously harsh dry weather conditions that exist all over the central as well as

southern portions of the region. Hisar, Sirsa, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari,

Gurgaon and other adjoining districts agro-climatically form the "dry farming" belt.

There are 0.51 million sheep in 1990-91. The density of sheep population was 3.88

animals per hectare of the pasture and grazing lands in 1990-91. Whereas the goats

population comparatively equalised that of the sheeps which accounted for 0.44

million in 1990-91. The density of goats population was 3.09 on each hectare of

the pasture and grazing lands in 1990-91. So, the sheep population comparatively

exceeds that of the goat population. However, in the favourable conditions "Hisar

mixed farming yields the highest net profit followed by animal husbandry farming

and arable farming" (Singh et.al., 1986). Animal husbandry is the chief source of

livelihood. Sheep and goats rearing and animal husbandry is the main occupation

of 18.60 per cent of the households. The average size of agricultural holding with

household raising sheeps is 49.9 acres and the average number of other livestock

owned is 32.23 per cent of which 24.00 per cent is goats. Traditional management

practices are generally followed for the livestock rearing (Bose et.al., 1964 ).

In the region's southern portion, the pressure of human as well as livestock

population is leading to acute imbalance in the landuse pattern. Land is

predominantly of degenerated forms like barren, culturable waste and fallow,

which, with increasing population pressure has resulted in low level of production.

So, there is necessity of a concerted effort to allocate land according to its inherent

capacity, population control and rational resource use supported by modem

technology (Malhotra et.al., 1977). Overgrazing in grassland results in low but

inexorable deleterious changes in potential composition. It, however, varies with

the type of grass cover, forage productivity and the sequence of climatic events.

87

The dynamics of herbage production. concurrently the root biomass and root

number also decrease with overgrazing. Overgrazing in grassland causes maximum

run-off as well as maximum soil Joss. Landuse, having overgrazed fallow land the

run-off, was 22.04 per cent but soil Joss was as high as 2029 lb/acre

(Shankamarayan, 1977). Moreover, the livestock rearing with a large population

alongwith animal husbandry development, naturally put a stress on the fragile

ecosystem, particularly on vegetal cover and grass land resources etc. and other

components of the dry farming belt.

3.7 LAND UTILIZATION

On the basis of land use statistics for the period 1990-91, the geographical

area has accounted for about 7,656 thousand hectares for the Indo-Gangetic Divide

and the adjoining region as a whole. Of this, 6,362 thousand hectares or 83.10 per

cent, which is the largest, has been accounted for by the net sown area. Figure 3.3

presents a comparative picture of land use pattern for the period 1980-81 and 1990-

91. Over the period, the net sown area by and large has remained the same. Besides

this, the area under forests has accounted for about 2.96 per cent which marginally

increased to 3.32 per cent of the geographical area during 1980-81 and 1990-91

respectively. Similarly, the fallow lands have also witnessed marginal increase in

area from 2.82 per cent to 3.38 per cent of the geographical area from 1980-81 to

1990-91 respectively. Thus, the net sown area and fallow land together account for

86.48 per cent of the geographical area which shows the extent of the cultivatable

land during 1990-91. Besides this, the land not available for cultivation has

accounted for about 9.21 per cent in 1990-91. Out of this, a major proportion of

7.56 per cent is comprised by the non-agricultural land; whereas the remaining

proportion of the 1.65 per cent is accounted for by the barren and unculturable

land. Such scenario of the land not available for cultivation is found to be more or

less same for the period 1980-81. Apart from this, the other uncultivated land has

accounted for a negligible proportion of 0.99 per cent during 1990-91 which is

88

U ncu It i vated Land

Patterns of Land Utilisation 1980-81 and 1990-91

Forest Uncultivated Land

Net Sown Area

Forest

Net Sown Area

1980-81 1990-91

Fig. - 3.3

89

Table 3.4: Patterns of Land Utilisation During 1980-81 and 1990-91.

Classification Landuse Area

------------------------------

(in 000 hectares) (in per cent) 1980-81 1990-91 1980-81 1990-91

1) Land Not Available for 726 705 9.48 9.21 Cultivation:

i) Land put to non- 587 579 7.67 7.56 agricultural uses

ii) Barren and unculturable 139 126 1.81 1.65 land

2) Other Uncultivated Land: 70 76 0.91 0.99

i) Permanent pasture and 28 25 0.37 0.33 other grazing lands

ii) Land under misc.tree and - 8 - 0.10 groves

iii) Culturable waste 42 43 0.55 0.56

3) Fallow Land 216 259 2.82 3.38

4) Net Sown Area 6418 6362 83.83 83.10

5) Forest 226 254 2.96 3.32

Total Geographical Area 7656 7656 100.00 100.00

Source: Above table compiled and based on the Statistical Abstracts of Haryana and Punjab States for the period 1980-81 and 1990-91.

found to be the same during 1980-81 period. The culturalble waste land and the

permanent pasture and other grazing lands have accounted for negligible proportion

which remains the same over the periods as is evident by Table 3.4. Area under

tree crops has also recorded a negligible proportion of 0.10 per cent during 1990-

91. However, the land use pattern shows large area under cultivation on the one

90

hand and the marginal but not significant changes in landuse patterns over the time

periods on the other hand.

While the net sown area in the region's Haryana and Punjab parts is as high

as 81.66 and 85.02 per cent of their respective geographical area. The area lying

in the northwest has also recorded a higher cropping intensity than the rest of the

region. For instance, the Punjab's part has recorded a higher cropping intensity of

178.04 per cent followed by 168.69 per cent in Haryana. Higher cropping intensity

shows higher intensification of agriculture which means that higher proportion of

net sown area is being sown more than once in the same agricultural year. Besides

this, the cropping pattern is mainly dominated by foodgrains which occupy larger

proportion of the gross cropped area in comparison to non-foodgrains crops. But

this has marginally progressed as is evident from Table 3.5. The share of

Table 3.3: Area and Production of Principal Crops During 1980-81 and 1990-91.

Crops Area Production (in million hectares) (in m. mts.)

1980-81 1990-91 1980-81 1990-91

1. Food grains: 7.56 7.79 17.65 16.56 i. Cereals 6.57 6.96 16.97 15.94

ii. Pulses 0.99 0.84 0.68 0.62

2. Oilseeds 0.45 0.58 0.32 0.73

3. Cash crops 1.05 1.40 2.92 2.97

TOTAL 9.06 9.77 20.89 20.26

Source: Above table compiled and based on the Statistical Abstracts of Haryana and Punjab States for the period 1980-81 and 1990-91.

food grains in 1980-81 was 17.65 million metric tonnes which remained stagnant

in 1990-91. The break-through in the foodgrains production has been achieved by

the expansion of the area under irrigation. Therefore, it is not the expansion of the

91

net sown area which is responsible for higher agricultural production but it is the

increase in production per unit area which has contributed to it. The net area under

irrigation has increased from 4679 thousand hectares in 1980-81 to 5,181 thousand

hectares in 1990-91. A bout 81.41 per cent of the net sown area is irrigated. The

increasing pressure of population on the arable land will necessitate a higher level

of intensification of agriculture with the help of adequate inputs of irrigation, high

yield varieties of seeds and intensive use of chemicals as fertilisers and pesticides.

However, the "optimum landuse can be achieved only by systematic, integrated and

comprehensive research on the ecological, socio-economic and hydrological

implications, and on cost/benefit calculations of the different alternatives and

combinations" in the region (Naveh, 1968). Such dynamic programming will be

able to provide a sound, quantative bases to cope up with the increasing pressure

of population on the arable land and to check further degradation of the fragile

ecosystem of the region.

3.8 CONCLUDING STATEMENT

The region is well endowed with a number of natural resources such as the

land area, soil, rivers, ground-water, vegetal cover, rocks and minerals and

livestock etc. The resources are generally distributed in a multivariate regional

setting. An extensively widespread area of 7,656 thousand hectares made up of

fertile alluvial soil, is a large natural resource. This resource is not only vast in

value but is very rich in variety and possesses a great potential for supporting a

variety of the agro-based industries. Water as nature's resource has a geographical

significance. Nature's storage ofwater is in the form of running streams and rivers,

fresh water lakes and ground-water. There are two perennial rivers - the Sutlej and

Yamuna - which provide plenty of water throughout the year. There are also a

number of non-perennial rivers - the Saraswati, the Ghaggar, the Markanda, the

Sahibi and the Indori etc. The natural forest covered area was about 2,854 sq. kms.

or 3.32 per cent in 1990-91. The mineral wealth is immense, varied and, in many

92

cases, of high grade and quality in respect of non-ferrous minerals. The overall

mineral production was 1,229.44 thousand metric tonnes in 1990-91. Grasslands are

widely spread which can provide a good base for pastoral activities. There are

nearly 16.3 8 million anima!s as the total livestock wealth. In all, the above

mentioned natural resources together constitute the base for economic development.

An extensive exploitation of natural resources by way of a large- scale

consumption of a variety of products and the consequent deterioration in the

ecosystem have become the great burning issues of concern of the present day

which need exclusive consideration in the context of the maximum utilisation of

the natural resources and their conservation. The natural resources are a common

heritage. They have been shared by the past generations and the future generation

will be inheriting these resources. The rapid pace of their exploitation is resulting

in the exhaustion of some of the resources. Therefore, there arises the need for

conservation of the resources for ensuring continuity of the process of economic

development. The Indo-gangetic Divide and the adjoining region is one of the

agriculturally advanced regions of the north-western India. The conservation of soil

and water is essential for increasing agricultural output. There is a two-fold strategy

for soil conservation: Firstly, the use of manures and bio-chemical fertilisers,

scientific rotation of crops etc., Secondly, to check the removal of soil cover by

running water or wind. Water is a cyclic resource. Water resource management in

irrigation system plays a crucial role in its conservation.

Depletion of forests by over-utilisation has a chain reaction in the ecosystem.

The alternative source of timber substitute can reduce the pressure of demand from

the forests. A lot of emphasis is being laid on social forestry and farm forestry to

ensure fodder and fuel supply to the rural community. Mineral resources are

exhaustible resources. Their exploitation has got accelerated with the sophistication

in mining technology. Recycling of some of the metals like iron etc., may help in

reducing the waste. Likewise, the development of non-conventional energy

resources will lead to the conservation of wood. This calls for development of

93

technology through extensive research and development programme. The survival

of our material based civilisation will depend on the capacity to preserve nature and

conserve resources.

However, there has been a serious ecological degradation in the recent past.

Some of the important causes responsible for it are such as over-population,

agricultural modernisation, uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources and

negligence of man towards maintaining the ecosystem. The problem is so serious

due to increasing degradation of the natural ecosystem. The following measures are

suggested as suitable strategies through which the ecological degradation can

successfully be checked:- firstly, uncontrolled growth of population should be

checked without further delay. Zero-population growth for some years be made

effective; secondly, pressure on unconventional sources of energy should be

minimised; thirdly, excessive and extensive agriculture practice, especially, in

fragile landsystem should be stopped. Biological control of insects, pests and weeds

should be adopted; fourthly, steps should be taken to control excessive exploitation

of natural resources i.e. soil, forests and pasture land etc., fifthly, people should be

educated through mass media to be careful and sensible about the natural

ecosystem, failing which it is the man who will be the first victim of the ecological

degradation; Finally, the human interference with the natural ecosystem should be

lessened. The ecosystem should not be modified or altered for any purpose -

neither nature's self-building process nor the natural-cycle should be disrupted by

human activities. Consequently, most of the present-day ecological problems are

man induced; hence their solution also lies in the hands of man.

94