Northeast India's Soil Erosion Crisis: A Call for Geospatial Solutions

Guwahati: A recent study by Nagaland University has highlighted the urgent need for a scientific, geospatial approach to address the growing problem of soil erosion in the hilly regions of Northeast India. The researchers note that adopting Geographic Information System (GIS)-based solutions can significantly reduce soil degradation while promoting long-term environmental sustainability, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing water availability. Soil erosion has emerged as a major ecological concern in the eastern Himalayan region, adversely affecting farmland, water resources, and the overall ecological balance. The issue is exacerbated by steep terrain, heavy rainfall, deforestation, unscientific land-use practices, and increasing human activities such as shifting cultivation, mining, and infrastructure development. The study focuses on the Siji watershed, part of the Gai River Basin in Assam—one of the most erosion-prone areas in the region. Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with GIS-based modelling, the research evaluates soil erosion and sediment transport by analysing factors such as rainfall intensity, soil characteristics, slope gradient, land use, and conservation practices. 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You can too. SUPPORT US (function(){var w=document.querySelector('.emm-carousel-scroll');if(!w)return;var p=document.querySelector('.emm-carousel-prev'),n=document.querySelector('.emm-carousel-next'),s=296;function u(){p.hidden=w.scrollLeft<=0;n.hidden=w.scrollLeft+w.clientWidth>=w.scrollWidth-1}p.addEventListener('click',function(){w.scrollBy({left:-s,behavior:'smooth'})});n.addEventListener('click',function(){w.scrollBy({left:s,behavior:'smooth'})});w.addEventListener('scroll',u);u()})() The findings have been published in Discover Geoscience , a peer-reviewed journal by Springer Nature. The research was co-authored by Prof. M. S. Rawat of the Department of Geography, School of Sciences, Nagaland University, along with research scholar Tulumoni Gogoi and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat, Consultant Professor at Asian International University, Manipur. Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik described the study as a significant step toward addressing one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. “The integration of geospatial technology can effectively guide conservation efforts, reduce soil degradation, and promote sustainable land use practices. This will ultimately strengthen agricultural productivity and improve water resource management,” he said. The study reveals that areas with dense forest cover and gentle slopes experience minimal erosion, whereas regions with steep slopes, croplands, barren land, and areas affected by human activities such as road construction and mining face significantly higher risks. In some locations, erosion levels were found to be alarmingly high, posing serious threats to land stability and ecosystems. To address these challenges, the researchers recommend an Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) approach. This includes sustainable land-use planning and the adoption of mechanical and biological measures such as contouring, terracing, and increasing vegetation cover to minimise soil loss and improve water retention. The GIS-based watershed modelling approach enables a detailed, location-specific understanding of how natural and human factors interact within a defined drainage area. By integrating multiple spatial data layers, the model identifies erosion hotspots and quantifies soil loss at a micro level, allowing policymakers to prioritise high-risk zones and implement targeted interventions. The study also notes that this framework can be adapted to other regions with similar geographical conditions, both within India and globally. Looking ahead, the researchers stress the need for further work, including the development of flood prediction models and improved monitoring systems. With increasing pressure from human activity and climate-related factors, timely and science-based interventions are crucial to prevent further environmental degradation. Also Read | When food politics backfires: What West Bengal’s 2026 verdict tells us Related WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Share