Geospatial modeling and mapping of soil erosion in India classified soil erosion on a pan-India basis for the first time. Choose the correct statement. 1. India has lost over 1,500 sq km of land to ‘catastrophic’ soil erosion. 2. Arunachal Pradesh lost (highest) close to 300 square kilometers or 31 percent of its surface soil to “catastrophic” erosion. 3. The biggest hotspot for soil erosion in the country is the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 3 In News A new study highlights a serious concern for India's soil health, revealing that nearly 30% of the country's landmass is affected by " minor " soil erosion, while a significant 3% suffers from " catastrophic " topsoil loss. Key Points The study, titled "Geospatial modeling and mapping of soil erosion in India," is novel in its approach as it introduces classifications for soil erosion across India on a comprehensive scale, offering a systematic method to understand and address the problem. India has lost over 1,500 sq km of land to ‘catastrophic’ soil erosion. hence statement 1 is correct. The importance of topsoil is emphasized, noting its crucial role in agriculture for holding essential nutrients and moisture necessary for plant growth. The loss of topsoil through erosion is thus a threat to agricultural productivity and food security. The Brahmaputra Valley in Assam is identified as the most critical hotspot for soil erosion in India, having lost approximately 300 square kilometers, or 31% of its surface soil, to "catastrophic" erosion. Hence statement 3 is correct. This statistic highlights the severity of the problem in Assam and the urgent need for interventions. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. The study's finding that soil erosion can have catastrophic levels, classified as the loss of over 100 tonnes of soil per hectare in a year, provides a benchmark for understanding the intensity of soil erosion and its potential impacts on the land. The research points to anthropogenic activities such as deforestation and intensive farming practices as direct causes of soil loss, implicating human intervention in the degradation of soil health and making the case for sustainable land management practices. The use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) for estimating potential soil loss across India at a high spatial resolution (250 meters) is a significant methodological contribution of the study. It allows for a detailed analysis of soil erosion risks and the development of targeted soil conservation strategies.