Give account of areas of Madhya Pradesh which are affected by soil erosion and give measures to prevent soil erosion.

Areas Affected by Soil Erosion in Madhya Pradesh & Remedial Measures:

Soil erosion is one of the most critical environmental challenges in Madhya Pradesh:

• 1. Severely Affected Areas in MP:
  • Chambal Ravine Badlands (Gully Erosion - सर्वाधिक भयानक): Morena, Bhind, and Sheopur. The Chambal River and its tributaries have dissected over 6 lakh hectares of fertile alluvial land into deep 20–30 m uncultivable ravines (Bihads).
  • Malwa Plateau & Narmada Valley (Sheet & Rill Erosion): Soil erosion on undulating basalt slopes in Dhar, Jhabua, Khargone, and Dewas during monsoonal cloudbursts.
  • Satpura-Maikal Hilly Tracts (Deforestation Induced): Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, and Betul.
• 2. Measures to Prevent and Control Soil Erosion:
  • Gully Plugging & Check Dams: Constructing stone check dams across ravine beds to trap washed-out silt.
  • Contour Bunding & Terracing: Building earthen bunds across slope contours and grading terraces.
  • Afforestation & Aerial Seeding: Planting dense bamboo, bamboo, and indigenous trees along ravine margins (Shelterbelts).
  • Ravine Reclamation Projects: Implementing the World Bank-assisted Chambal Ravine Reclamation Project and Khet Talab Yojana.