Experts: Early desertification feared for Delhi, Gurugram -Shilpy Arora

-The Times of India

GURUGRAM: The sand storm conditions prevailing in the city for three days has raised fears of early desertification of the Delhi-NCR region among environmental experts. According to the experts, there has been an increase in frequency, longevity and density of sand storms in this region this year.

“The frequency of sand storms has increased in the city in the past one decade. While earlier (in 2002), summer sand storms used to occur for four days a week, now, the frequency has increased to multiple spells over the span of two weeks. So not only the frequency, but also the longevity and density of sand storms have increased. All deserts are expanding, and so is the Thar,” said Dr Rajendra Kushagra, head of the department at Amity School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Manesar.

 

A study conducted by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in south Haryana also pointed towards early desertification of the Delhi-NCR. According to the study, the Aravalis are gradually becoming barren mountains. As per the study, open forest cover has decreased in the last three decades, while scrub has increased by 5.7%, and barren area is fluctuating.

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