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Drought Disaster

Droughts in India, exacerbated by climate change and over-extraction of groundwater, severely impact agriculture and water resources, affecting millions, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. The 2015-2016 drought alone affected over 330 million people, leading to crop failures, water scarcity, and increased poverty. Government initiatives focus on drought monitoring, relief packages, and sustainable water management practices to mitigate these challenges.

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1 views

Drought Disaster

Droughts in India, exacerbated by climate change and over-extraction of groundwater, severely impact agriculture and water resources, affecting millions, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. The 2015-2016 drought alone affected over 330 million people, leading to crop failures, water scarcity, and increased poverty. Government initiatives focus on drought monitoring, relief packages, and sustainable water management practices to mitigate these challenges.

Uploaded by

sivaramgc002
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Drought disaster

Definition:
 Droughts in India are a severe and recurring issue, primarily driven by the
monsoon's variability. India's economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, suffers
greatly during droughts, leading to crop failure, water scarcity, and reduced
livestock productivity. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan,
Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh are among the most affected. The 2015-2016
drought impacted over 330 million people across 256 districts. Climate
change exacerbates these conditions, and over-extraction of groundwater has
further strained water resources. Government initiatives include drought
monitoring, relief packages, and sustainable water management practices.
Major Causes of Droughts in India:

1. Monsoon Dependence: India's agriculture largely depends on the

southwest monsoon, which can be unpredictable and unevenly distributed.

2. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have

increased the frequency and severity of droughts.

3. Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture and urbanization disrupts

the natural water cycle, reducing rainfall and leading to drier conditions.

4. Over-Exploitation of Resources: Excessive groundwater extraction and

poor water management practices have depleted water resources,

worsening drought conditions.

5. Inefficient Irrigation Practices: Traditional flood irrigation methods waste

water, leaving less available for times of need.


Impact of Droughts:

1. Agricultural Losses: Reduced crop yields lead to food shortages and


increased prices, affecting both farmers and consumers.

2. Water Scarcity: Droughts strain water resources, impacting drinking


water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.

3. Economic Hardship: Rural communities, heavily reliant on agriculture,


suffer income loss, leading to increased poverty and migration.

4. Health Issues: Water scarcity and poor nutrition during droughts can
lead to health problems, including malnutrition and water-borne
diseases.
Government Measures:

1. Drought Monitoring: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the


National Drought Monitoring Cell provide early warning and assessment.

2. Irrigation Projects: Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
aim to improve water use efficiency in agriculture.

3. Relief Packages: The government provides financial aid, food supplies, and
employment opportunities to drought-affected regions.

4. Water Conservation Programs: Efforts like rainwater harvesting, watershed


management, and afforestation are promoted to improve water availability
and reduce drought impact.
Case Studies:

1. Marathwada Drought (2012-2016): Maharashtra's Marathwada


region faced one of its worst droughts, with severe water shortages and
widespread farmer suicides.

2. 2015-2016 Drought: Over 256 districts were affected across India,


leading to water rationing, migration, and increased government
intervention.

3. Bundelkhand Region: This region, spanning Uttar Pradesh and


Madhya Pradesh, faces chronic drought due to poor rainfall,
deforestation, and over-exploitation of water resources.
Long-Term Solutions:

1. Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation


techniques, and organic farming.

2. Water Resource Management: Developing comprehensive water policies that


include groundwater management, rainwater harvesting, and interlinking of rivers.

3. Climate Resilience: Building resilient infrastructure, improving weather


forecasting, and investing in research on climate-resistant crops and water
conservation methods.
Case study:
 The Marathwada region in Maharashtra experienced one of its worst droughts
from 2012 to 2016. This prolonged drought severely impacted the region’s
agriculture, which is heavily dependent on monsoon rains. The water crisis led
to crop failures, particularly for cash crops like sugarcane and cotton. As a
result, many farmers were unable to repay debts, leading to a tragic rise in
suicides among the farming community. Water scarcity also affected drinking
water supplies, leading to the government deploying water tankers and
launching drought relief measures. This drought highlighted the region's
vulnerability to climate variability and underscored the need for sustainable

water management practices.


Key Points:

• Agriculture: Massive crop failures, particularly in rain-fed crops like sugarcane and
cotton.

• Water Scarcity: Severe shortages for both irrigation and drinking, leading to reliance on
water tankers.

• Farmer Suicides: The economic stress and debt from crop failures led to a significant
increase in farmer suicides.

• Government Response: Relief measures included financial aid, water distribution efforts,
and employment schemes, though these were often criticized as insufficient.
Long-Term Impact:

 The Marathwada drought exposed the limitations of the region's agricultural


practices, which heavily rely on water-intensive crops, and emphasized the
need for drought-resistant farming methods and improved water management
strategies. The crisis also sparked debates on the viability of sugarcane
cultivation in water-scarce regions like Marathwada.
Conclusion:
 The Marathwada drought from 2012 to 2016 serves as a stark reminder of the
severe impacts that climate variability can have on agriculture and livelihoods
in vulnerable regions. The crisis not only caused widespread agricultural
failure and acute water shortages but also highlighted systemic issues like
over-reliance on water-intensive crops and inadequate water management. The
rise in farmer suicides underscored the deep economic and social distress
caused by the drought. Moving forward, it is crucial to adopt sustainable
agricultural practices and improve water resource management to prevent such
disasters in the future.

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