Source: TH
Context:
India’s semi-arid grasslands and savannahs, often termed “wastelands” since colonial times, are now recognised as critical ecosystems for biodiversity, pastoral livelihoods, and climate resilience. Grasslands differ from forests as most biomass is underground, concentrated in deep, fibrous root systems that stabilize soils, enhance structure, and store carbon.
Historical Undervaluation
- During British colonial rule, policy favoured woody forests for timber, neglecting grasslands.
- Post-independence, the National Wastelands Development Board (1985) continued this framing, classifying diverse ecosystems—scrublands, degraded pastures, barren areas—as “wastelands.”
- Policy missteps led to afforestation of grasslands, often with invasive species like mesquite, degrading soil and pastoral livelihoods.
Soil and Carbon Benefits
- Grasslands enhance soil fertility through organic matter deposition and support diverse microbial communities.
- Below-ground carbon storage in grasslands is more stable than above-ground biomass in forests and resilient to fires.
- Studies from Malshiras (Maharashtra) and Banni Grassland (Gujarat) show:
- CAMPA-funded grassland restoration increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 21% in two years, 50% by three years.
- Banni Grasslands store 27 metric tonnes of carbon per hectare up to 30 cm depth, making them among the most carbon-rich arid ecosystems globally.
Livelihoods and Community Role
- Grasslands provide pastoral livelihoods; rotational grazing, biomass management, and local stewardship maintain ecosystem health.
- Community-led restoration, as seen in Banni, demonstrates that sustainable governance and local involvement are critical to ecological and climate outcomes.
Policy Implications
- Afforestation initiatives alone cannot ensure climate resilience in drylands.
- Restoration and management of native grasslands should be prioritized, focusing on:
- Removing invasive woody species
- Reintroducing native perennial grasses
- Supporting pastoralist communities in governance
