Land degradation (WRIS)

The Land Degradation (WRIS) dataset, part of the CoRE Stack, provides national-scale information on the spatial extent and severity of land degradation compiled from the Water Resources Information System (WRIS). It supports analysis of soil erosion, vegetation decline, and surface degradation patterns for integrated land and water management.

About Dataset

The Land Degradation (WRIS) dataset is included in the CoRE Stack (Commoning for Resilience and Equality) under the Open Ecosystems and Degradations theme. Sourced from the Water Resources Information System (WRIS), this dataset provides a spatial representation of degraded lands across India, mapped through remote sensing–based assessments of erosion, vegetation cover loss, and surface deterioration. It supports integrated assessment of watershed condition and ecosystem degradation, helping planners and communities identify priority zones for soil and water conservation, afforestation, and landscape restoration. When used alongside other CoRE Stack datasets — such as Wasteland Atlas, Land Use and Land Cover, and Tree Cover Change — it enables comprehensive evaluation of land degradation processes and monitoring of recovery outcomes.

Technical details and methodologies are available in the CoRE Stack Technical Manual: https://core-stack.org/core-stack-technical-manual-v2/"

Purpose of Dataset

The Purpose Of The Land Degradation (Wris) Dataset Is To Map And Assess The Extent And Severity Of Land Degradation Across India, Focusing On Soil Erosion, Vegetation Loss, And Surface Deterioration. It Supports Integrated Land And Water Management, Helping Identify Priority Areas For Conservation, Afforestation, And Restoration. Combined With Other Core Stack Datasets, It Enables Comprehensive Monitoring Of Ecosystem Health And Data-driven Planning For Sustainable Landscape Recovery.