Question

What are some of the causes of chronic poverty that NREGA works aim to address through natural resource management?

• A. Unemployment and lack of education
• B. Drought, deforestation, and soil erosion
• C. Healthcare issues and malnutrition
• D. Lack of infrastructure and technology

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Drought, deforestation, and soil erosion

• National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): A social security and employment generation measure, enacted by the Government of India in 2005. Its primary aim is to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

• Natural Resource Management (NRM) under NREGA: A significant focus of NREGA is on works that strengthen natural resource management. This includes projects related to water conservation, drought-proofing, land development, afforestation, and soil conservation.

• Drought:
  

  • A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.

  • Causes include erratic rainfall patterns, climate change, and over-extraction of groundwater.

  • NRM works like building check dams, farm ponds, and contour bunding help in water conservation and recharging groundwater, thereby mitigating the effects of drought.

• Deforestation:
  

  • The clearing, destruction, or deterioration of forest areas, primarily for agriculture, logging, or urbanization.

  • Consequences include soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.

  • NREGA promotes afforestation and tree plantation drives, which help in restoring forest cover, improving soil health, and conserving biodiversity.

• Soil Erosion:
  

  • The displacement of the topsoil by the agents of weather and erosion, caused by wind or water flow.

  • Accelerated by deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and overgrazing.

  • NRM activities such as planting grass and trees on slopes, constructing soil and water conservation structures (e.g., trenches, terraces), and land reclamation projects help to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility.