Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Drought, a creeping natural disaster, is characterized by prolonged periods of below-normal precipitation, leading to water scarcity and impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Recognizing its widespread and lasting effects, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued comprehensive guidelines for drought management in September 2010. India is particularly vulnerable to droughts due to its monsoon-dependent agriculture and varying agro-climatic zones. The periodic occurrences of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), manifesting as El Niño (warming of central/eastern Pacific Ocean) and La Niña (cooling), significantly influence the Indian monsoon, increasing the likelihood of drought or floods. Therefore, understanding and preparing for these phenomena is crucial for effective disaster management.
Understanding El Niño and La Niña Impacts
El Niño typically leads to deficient monsoon rainfall in India, particularly during the latter half of the season, increasing drought risk. La Niña, conversely, often results in above-normal rainfall, potentially causing floods, but can also contribute to localized droughts if rainfall distribution is uneven. The NDMA guidelines emphasize proactive preparedness based on forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
NDMA Guidelines: Preparedness Mechanisms
1. Prevention & Mitigation
- Water Conservation: Promoting rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and efficient irrigation techniques (e.g., micro-irrigation) to enhance water availability.
- Drought-Resistant Crops: Encouraging the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties and diversification of cropping patterns.
- Afforestation: Implementing large-scale afforestation programs to improve soil moisture retention and reduce land degradation.
2. Preparedness
- Early Warning Systems: Strengthening the IMD’s forecasting capabilities and disseminating timely drought advisories to farmers and local communities.
- Contingency Planning: Developing district-level drought management plans outlining specific actions to be taken at different stages of drought. These plans should include provisions for fodder and water supply for livestock.
- Stockpiling: Pre-positioning essential supplies like food grains, drinking water, and animal feed in vulnerable areas.
- Capacity Building: Training local officials and community members on drought preparedness and mitigation measures.
- Monitoring & Assessment: Establishing a robust monitoring system to track rainfall, groundwater levels, and vegetation indices to assess drought severity.
3. Response (during drought)
- Employment Guarantee Schemes: Utilizing schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to provide employment opportunities to drought-affected populations.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): Ensuring adequate food grain availability through the PDS at subsidized rates.
- Water Supply: Providing alternative water sources through tankers and borewells.
- Livestock Support: Establishing cattle camps and providing fodder and water to livestock.
4. Recovery & Reconstruction
- Restoration of Livelihoods: Providing financial assistance and training to farmers to restore their livelihoods.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in irrigation infrastructure and water conservation projects.
- Long-Term Planning: Integrating drought resilience into long-term development plans.
Inter-Agency Coordination
The NDMA guidelines emphasize the importance of coordination between various government departments (Agriculture, Water Resources, Rural Development, etc.), state governments, and local authorities. A National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) is responsible for overall coordination at the national level, while State Level Crisis Management Committees (SLCMCs) oversee drought management at the state level.
| Phase | Key Activities (NDMA Guidelines) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Drought (Monitoring) | Regular monitoring of rainfall, groundwater, and vegetation; issuing early warnings. |
| Early Drought (Vigilance) | Implementing water conservation measures; contingency planning. |
| Moderate Drought | Activating drought management plans; providing employment and food security. |
| Severe Drought | Large-scale relief operations; mobilizing resources; seeking central assistance. |
Conclusion
Effective drought preparedness, as outlined by the NDMA guidelines, is paramount for mitigating the socio-economic impacts of El Niño and La Niña events in India. A proactive, multi-pronged approach encompassing prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response, coupled with strong inter-agency coordination and community participation, is essential. Investing in long-term water security measures and climate-resilient agriculture will be crucial for building a drought-proof India and ensuring sustainable development. Continuous monitoring, adaptive planning, and leveraging technological advancements in forecasting and water management are vital for future success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.