Revaluing the Soil: Why India’s ‘Wastelands’ Could Be Worth 7 Lakh Crores a Year

Updated: November 21, 2025 17:33

Image Source: The Tribune

A national panel convened by ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment) and CPD (Centre for Policy Design) has urged urgent reclassification of India’s so-called “wastelands.” Experts argue that these lands, often dismissed as unproductive, hold ecological and economic value worth INR 5–7 lakh crores annually, demanding a policy rethink.

India’s official land records classify nearly 55 million hectares as “wastelands,” a term that has long implied barrenness and lack of utility. However, a recent national panel led by ATREE and CPD has challenged this notion, stressing that no land is truly waste. Instead, these areas provide critical ecosystem services—such as carbon sequestration, groundwater recharge, grazing, and biodiversity conservation—that are undervalued in current policy frameworks.

The panel estimates that the ecological and livelihood contributions of these lands amount to INR 5–7 lakh crores annually, underscoring their importance in climate resilience and rural economies. Experts warn that misclassification leads to misguided development projects, land grabs, and ecological degradation. They call for a new classification system that recognizes multifunctional land use and integrates ecological economics into planning.

This revaluation is particularly urgent as India faces mounting challenges of climate change, desertification, and rural distress. By reframing wastelands as “productive ecological commons,” policymakers can unlock opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, conservation, and climate adaptation.

Key Highlights

Scale of Misclassification: Nearly 55 million hectares labeled as “wastelands” despite supporting grazing, biodiversity, and water recharge.
Economic Value: Panel estimates ecological services worth INR 5–7 lakh crores annually, including carbon storage and rural livelihoods.
Policy Gap: Current land-use policies fail to account for ecological functions, leading to exploitation and degradation.
Urgent Reclassification: Experts demand a new framework that recognizes multifunctional land use and ecological contributions.
Climate & Livelihood Impact: Proper recognition could strengthen climate resilience, reduce desertification, and support rural communities.
National Priority: Reclassification aligns with India’s commitments to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Closing Note

The call to reclassify India’s “wastelands” is more than a semantic shift—it is a recognition of their hidden wealth. By valuing ecological services and integrating them into policy, India can transform neglected lands into assets for sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth.

Sources: The Hindu, Business Standard, Down to Earth

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