Kohima, May 6 (IANS) Researchers at Nagaland University have emphasised the need for a scientific, geospatial technology-driven approach to mitigate soil erosion in the hilly regions of northeast India, officials said on Wednesday.

The central varsity officials said that the researchers emphasised that such an approach not only helps control erosion but also supports long-term environmental sustainability, improves agricultural productivity, and enhances water availability.

Soil erosion is emerging as a serious environmental and ecological issue in the eastern Himalayan region, affecting agricultural productivity, water resources, and overall ecological balance. The problem is further aggravated by factors such as steep slopes, high rainfall, deforestation, unscientific land use practices, and increasing human interventions, including shifting cultivation, mining, and infrastructure development.

The varsity study focuses on the Siji watershed, a part of the Gai River Basin in Assam, which represents one of the most erosion-prone regions in the Northeast.

Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with GIS-based modelling, the research assesses soil erosion and sediment transport by analysing key factors such as rainfall intensity, soil characteristics, slope, land use patterns, and conservation practices.

The findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on monitoring, assessment, and management of environmental quality, brought out by the prestigious Springer Nature. The research paper was co-authored by Prof. M. S. Rawat, Department of Geography, School of Sciences, Nagaland University, along with his Research Scholar Tulumoni Gogoi and Dr Pradeep Kumar Rawat, Consultant Professor, Asian International University, Manipur.

The findings show that areas with dense forest cover and gentle slopes experience minimal erosion, while regions with steep slopes, croplands, barren land, and human disturbances such as road construction and mining are at significantly higher risk. In some cases, erosion rates were found to be extremely high, indicating serious threats to land stability and local ecosystems.

Elaborating on how this study proposes addressing these challenges, Prof Rawat said: “We recommend an Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) approach. This includes developing sustainable land use plans and implementing mechanical and biological measures such as contouring, terracing, and vegetation cover to reduce soil loss and improve water management.”

The watershed-based modelling approach allows for a more detailed and location-specific understanding of how different natural and human factors interact within a defined drainage area.

By integrating spatial data layers, the model identifies erosion hotspots and quantifies soil loss across micro-level units within the watershed. This makes it possible to prioritise high-risk zones and design targeted interventions rather than applying uniform solutions across the region.

The researchers emphasise that such an approach not only helps control erosion but also supports long-term environmental sustainability, improves agricultural productivity, and enhances water availability.

The model can also guide policymakers and planners in making informed decisions about land use and conservation. Importantly, the study suggests that the proposed framework can be adapted for other regions with similar geographical and environmental conditions, both within India and globally.

The research also highlights the need for future work, including the development of flood prediction models and better monitoring systems in the region. Given the increasing impact of human activities and climate-related factors, timely intervention is crucial to prevent further environmental degradation, the researchers pointed out.

On the significance of the study, Nagaland University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, said: “The recent study on GIS-based solutions for soil erosion marks a significant step towards addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges in Northeast India.”

He said that integrating geospatial technology can effectively guide conservation efforts, ensuring reduced soil degradation while promoting sustainable land use practices. Such research contributes to long-term environmental sustainability, strengthens agricultural productivity, and improves water resource management in the region, the VC noted.

–IANS

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