About Reclaimed Land Transforms Cities: UPSC Current Affairs

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Picture Courtesy: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/with-2026-target-approaching-clearing-of-50-landfill-sites-in-big-cities-yet-to-start-9595178/

Context:

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM Urban 2.0), cities are taking significant steps to transform land reclaimed from garbage dumps into useful public spaces.

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (SBM):

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/10-years-of-swachh-bharat-mission-sbm#:~:text=Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission%20%E2%80%93%20Urban,public%20toilets%20have%20been%20constructed.

About Land Reclamation

Land reclamation is the process of converting unusable or degraded land into land that can be used for productive purposes like agriculture, housing, or industry.

It involves transforming areas such as deserts, wetlands, or even coastal areas into usable land. It can also include restoring lands that have been damaged by natural disasters or human activities like mining. For example, the Netherlands is known for reclaiming land from the sea, creating polders for farming and housing.

According to the United Nations, sustainable land reclamation can support the global fight against hunger and help reduce the impacts of climate change by restoring ecosystems.

Objectives of Land Reclamation

Agriculture: Turning barren or degraded land into farmland helps produce more food.
Urban Development: Reclaimed land is often used for building houses, roads, and other infrastructure in growing cities.
Environmental Restoration: It can help repair damaged ecosystems, such as forests or wetlands that have been harmed by industrial activities.
Flood Control: In coastal areas, reclaimed land can serve as a buffer, protecting cities and farms from rising sea levels or floods.

Types of Land Reclamation

Fill or Dumping method involves dumping soil, sand, or waste materials into bodies of water. Over time, these materials settle and create new land. Cities like Hong Kong and Dubai have expanded their coastlines using this technique.
Dredging removes sediment from the bottom of rivers, lakes, or oceans. The dredged materials can be used to build up land in other areas. Dredging has been used in creating new ports or expanding existing ones, like the Port of Rotterdam.
Poldering method involves creating a polder, which is land reclaimed from a body of water. Dikes or embankments are built to keep the water out, and pumps are used to drain any remaining water. The Netherlands is famous for its polders, which have allowed them to reclaim large areas of land from the sea.
Wetland Restoration involves restoring or creating wetlands that can absorb water and provide habitat for wildlife. Although this method is not traditional land reclamation, it does reclaim land for ecological purposes. Projects in the Mississippi Delta have aimed to restore wetlands that have been lost to erosion and development.
Terracing technique is used primarily in hilly or mountainous areas. Steps or terraces are cut into the land to create flat areas for farming. The rice terraces in the Philippines are a well-known example of terracing.

Positive Impacts

Reclaimed land can be used for various purposes, such as housing, agriculture, or industry. For instance, the Netherlands has successfully reclaimed land to expand its agricultural sector, which helps feed the population and supports the economy.

Land reclamation can boost local economies by creating jobs and attracting investment. In places like Singapore, reclaimed land has been used to develop commercial and residential areas, which enhances economic activities and increases the country’s GDP.

Negative Impacts

Reclamation often disrupts local ecosystems. When land is taken from the sea or wetlands, habitats for various species are destroyed. For example, the construction of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai led to significant loss of marine biodiversity in the area.

Reclaimed land can contribute to soil erosion and water pollution. The alteration of natural water flow can lead to flooding and changes in sedimentation patterns, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic environments. This can have long-term consequences for local flora and fauna .

Challenges

Reclamation projects can be expensive and resource-intensive. They require significant investment in materials, technology, and labor.
Engineers must ensure that the land can support buildings and infrastructure without sinking or eroding. This often involves complex geotechnical assessments and ongoing monitoring .
Reclamation projects must comply with environmental regulations to minimize their negative impacts. Obtaining the necessary permits can be a lengthy process, as projects are scrutinized for their potential effects on ecosystems and communities. Engaging local stakeholders is vital to address their concerns and ensure compliance with environmental standards .

Way Forward

Using native plants in land reclamation is essential. These plants are adapted to local conditions, require less water, and provide habitats for local wildlife. For example, in coastal areas, native grasses and shrubs can stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Wetlands play a critical role in filtering water, providing habitat, and storing floodwater. Reclaiming land by restoring wetlands helps improve water quality and protects against flooding.
Healthy soil is vital for successful land reclamation. Techniques like composting, crop rotation, and cover cropping can improve soil quality. These methods increase nutrients and enhance soil structure, making it more fertile.
Erosion can severely damage reclaimed land. Sustainable approaches like planting cover crops and using erosion control blankets help protect soil. These methods reduce runoff and maintain soil integrity.
Involving local communities in land reclamation projects ensures that the needs and knowledge of residents are considered. This participation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to more successful outcomes.
Sustainable land reclamation requires ongoing monitoring to assess the health of the reclaimed land. Adaptive management practices allow adjustments based on what works best for the environment. This approach ensures long-term success and resilience.