Earthworms, often described as "ecosystem engineers," play a foundational role in maintaining soil health by enhancing aeration, organic matter breakdown, and natural fertilization. Their presence is commonly used as a biological indicator of soil quality and biodiversity. However, recent field-based observations in the Devalchaur region of Kaladhungi, Nainital district (Uttarakhand), reveal a concerning decline in the population of black-colored earthworms, especially during the rainy season when they were once commonly seen surfacing in abundance.

This observational study was conducted during the months of May and June 2025, involving repeated field visits and informal interactions with local farmers. Most farmers reported that over the past 4–5 years, the presence of earthworms has drastically reduced in their paddy fields. They linked this decline with a sharp increase in chemical fertilizer usage, compared to earlier years when agricultural practices were more organic and less input-intensive.

The study also noted that even after significant rainfall events, which previously led to visible earthworm activity on the soil surface, no such patterns were observed. Soil across several fields appeared compacted and less porous and showed signs of low organic content, all of which are unfavorable to earthworm survival. The shift from traditionally balanced agro-ecosystems to chemically driven monoculture farming appears to be playing a significant role in the observed decline.

These findings suggest that the disappearance of earthworms may be an early indicator of broader ecological imbalance and soil degradation. The study underscores the urgent need for in-depth ecological assessments and a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices to restore soil biodiversity and long-term fertility.