Ranchi, 5th June 2024: On World Environment Day, youth, women entrepreneurs, and farmers across Jharkhand came together to participate in workshops, training, and activities focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This collaborative effort aligns with this year’s World Environment Day theme and aims to address the severe environmental challenges plaguing the state.

SwitchON Foundation has released a pivotal report detailing the severe environmental challenges facing Jharkhand. According to the report, in Jharkhand 5.4 million hectares of land were affected by desertification. Being the top five states in India which has witnessed rapid desertification, Jharkhand has the highest area under desertification in the country with respect to total geographical area, i.e. 68.98%. The most significant process of desertification/land degradation in the state is Water Erosion (50.64%) followed by Vegetation Degradation (17.30%) however man-made reasons like urbanization and settlements have led to increase in land degradation.

The study also revealed that the land degradation costs India nearly 2.54% of its GDP (Rs. 3,177.39 billion). Similarly, in terms of total economic loss incurred, the annual cost of land degradation in Jharkhand is estimated at around 218.7 million dollar and annual per capita cost of land degradation is around 6.6 dollar. Forest cover in the state has decreased by 6.7%, reflecting the ongoing challenges of forest loss, while the built-up area has surged by 57% between 2017 and 2023, highlighting the alarming pace of urban expansion and its associated impacts on natural ecosystems. Land restoration and sustainable agriculture practices can increase crop yields and improve food availability, reducing the risk of malnutrition and related health issues.

Vinay Jaju, Managing Director of SwitchON Foundation said, “The findings of our latest report are a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices and land restoration efforts in Jharkhand. With 68.98% of desertification and groundwater levels declining at an alarming rate, it is imperative that we take immediate action. Our initiatives, ranging from waste management drives to regenerative agriculture training are designed to tackle these challenges head-on. By empowering communities and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to build a resilient and thriving ecosystem for future generations.”

In response to these alarming findings, SwitchON Foundation has launched a series of impactful initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering climate resilience. Hundreds of environment enthusiasts including children, youth and women came forward for a mega dry waste collection drive across cities in Jharkhand like Ranchi, Dhanbad, Giridih, Deogarh, Jamshedpur. The event, organized by SwitchON Foundation, resulted in the collection of approximately 310 kgs of dry waste.

In Ranchi, people participated in the waste collection drive in collaboration with partners like  Swabhiman, Ambedkar Social Institute, Manthan Yuva Sansthan, and many other organizations for collective climate action. The waste collection drive aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of improper waste disposal and the collective responsibility to maintain clean and sustainable surroundings. Dry wastes like pens, paper, stationery, plastic bottles, wrappers, poly packs, broken toys, food packets, old clothes, and electronic devices were collected and submitted to designated recyclers or any local ragpickers for proper disposal and recycling. 

SwitchON also facilitated various competitions such as best-from-waste, poster-making, and drawing contests, along with plantation drives to foster a deeper connection to environmental issues and inspire positive action. Additionally, the foundation hosted training programs and workshops aimed at empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices. Hundreds of farmers, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the state received valuable training in regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient crops.

Suggested Ways for Ecosystem Restoration by SwitchON Foundation:

• Promote Regenerative Agriculture: Increase food production while preserving ecosystems through regenerative agricultural practices.
• Utilize Artificial Intelligence in Smart Farming: Implement AI techniques for crop selection, yield prediction, soil compatibility classification, and water management.
• Preserve the Soil: Maintain healthy, productive soil through organic and soil-friendly farming practices, including zero-tillage and strategies like mulching and drip irrigation.
• Protect Pollinators: Reduce air pollution, minimize the harmful effects of fertilizers and pesticides, and preserve wetlands, woodlands, and meadows.
• Revitalize Freshwater Ecosystems: Improve water quality, remove invasive species, replant native vegetation, and implement wastewater innovations to address sewage management and urban flooding.
• Renew Coastal Belts: Adopt frameworks to safeguard marine and coastal biodiversity, and restore blue ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs.
• Reintroduce Nature to Urban Spaces: Enhance urban forests, preserve city canals and ponds, and create green areas to improve air quality and biodiversity.

Mrs. Sushma Devi, Secretary, Swabhimaan said, “By working together, we can achieve significant positive impact. Our partnership with SwitchON Foundation has enabled us to reach a wider audience and drive meaningful change in the areas of land restoration and renewable energy.”

This collaborative effort demonstrates a strong community commitment to addressing Jharkhand’s environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future.

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