To many people, deserts they are often seen as barren, lifeless places – symbols of failure and decline. That perception has led to countless efforts to fix them through tree plantations, irrigation projects and sweeping development plans.
But the urge to green the desert says more about our assumptions and false understanding than about drylands themselves.
India’s deserts tell a remarkable story. These are landscapes of resilience and richness, shaped by centuries of ecological adaptation and cultural knowledge. From the Thar to the Deccan, they include grasslands, scrublands, and savanna ecosystems that support vibrant biodiversity, pastoralist ways of life, and a delicate balance with scarce water and tough soils.
