Gully erosion may impede progress on at least nine of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a paper published in Scientific Reports

What does Gully Erosion mean?

Gully erosion represents a critical type of land degradation, characterized by the formation of deep channels (gullies) in the soil resulting from surface and subsurface runoff.

It stands apart from other erosive types because of its intensely erosive characteristics, significant specific soil losses, and erratic behaviour.

Condition of Gully Erosion:

Fifty-one locations worldwide have documented gully-related disasters, with Nigeria accounting for 15 of them.

In India, gully landforms can be found in 19 states and in Delhi. The regions most impacted include Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Factors Contributing to Gully Erosion

Loss of Vegetation: The lack of trees and grasses diminishes soil integrity, increasing its susceptibility to erosion in rainy conditions.

Unusual weather trends—extended droughts succeeded by intense rainfall—decrease plant life and heighten runoff, exacerbating gully erosion.

Inappropriate waste disposal in drainage systems obstructs water flow, causing turbulence that enlarges and deepens gullies during storms.

Weak Soils: Sandy or loosely compacted soils are more prone to erosion under water pressure, particularly in areas such as Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

Effects of Gully Erosion

Erosion from gullies strips away the nutrient-rich topsoil, critical for farming. When lost, it requires decades or even centuries to recover.

The loss of arable land results in decreased agricultural output, jeopardizing food security (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) and the livelihoods of farmers.

Water Scarcity: Gully erosion interferes with the land's ability to retain water, resulting in heightened surface runoff and diminished groundwater replenishment, causing water shortages and drought conditions. (SDG 6: Access to Clean Water and Sanitation)

Ecosystem Degradation: Erosion results in habitat fragmentation and a reduction in biodiversity, affecting local plant and animal species.

Path Forward

Reforestation: Introducing native plants in degraded watersheds helps restore ecological equilibrium and manages erosion sustainably over time.

Land Use Planning: Implementing land use methods suitable for soil and terrain, including terracing, agroforestry, and contour farming, lessens the risk of erosion.

Check Dams: Minor check dams constructed from stones, logs, or concrete placed across gullies decrease water velocity, encourage sediment accumulation, and aid in stabilising the gully bed.

Final thoughts

Gully erosion is an inconspicuous but destructive type of land degradation that has been neglected in mainstream environmental discussions.

Since India has committed to rehabilitate 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 in accordance with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, it is crucial that it adopts both preventive and corrective measures to manage gully erosion efficiently.