Drought, a creeping natural disaster, is characterized by prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. It differs from other natural disasters like floods or earthquakes in its slow onset and prolonged impact. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), approximately 40% of the global population is affected by drought. India, with its monsoon-dependent agriculture, is particularly vulnerable. Recent years have witnessed increasing frequency and intensity of droughts, impacting agricultural productivity, water security, and livelihoods, necessitating a robust understanding and effective management strategies. Understanding Drought: Types and Characteristics Drought isn't a single phenomenon; it manifests in different forms: Meteorological Drought: Defined by a deficiency in precipitation compared to the average rainfall for a specific period. Hydrological Drought: Occurs when surface and subsurface water supplies become inadequate, impacting reservoirs, streams, and groundwater levels. Agricultural Drought: Arises when soil moisture is insufficient to meet the needs of crops, leading to reduced yields. Socioeconomic Drought: Happens when water shortages impact the supply and demand of economic goods, leading to economic losses. Causes of Drought in India Droughts in India are a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors: Natural Causes Monsoon Variability: The erratic nature of the Indian monsoon is the primary driver of droughts. Failures or delays in monsoon arrival significantly impact rainfall. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): El Niño events are often associated with reduced monsoon rainfall in India. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): A positive IOD can also contribute to drought conditions. Topography: Rain shadow areas, like parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, are naturally prone to drought. Anthropogenic Causes Deforestation: Reduces rainfall and increases soil erosion, exacerbating drought conditions. Over-extraction of Groundwater: Depletes groundwater resources, making areas more vulnerable. Poor Water Management: Inefficient irrigation practices and lack of water conservation measures contribute to water scarcity. Climate Change: Increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are intensifying drought risks. Impacts of Drought The impacts of drought are far-reaching and affect multiple sectors: Agriculture: Crop failures, reduced yields, livestock losses, and farmer distress. The 2002-03 drought led to a 9% decline in agricultural GDP. Water Resources: Depletion of reservoirs, groundwater levels, and increased competition for water resources. Economy: Reduced agricultural output, increased food prices, and economic losses. Social Impacts: Migration, social unrest, health problems (malnutrition, waterborne diseases), and increased poverty. Environment: Loss of biodiversity, land degradation, and increased risk of wildfires. Drought Management and Mitigation Strategies Effective drought management requires a multi-pronged approach: Water Conservation: Promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler irrigation), rainwater harvesting, and watershed development. Groundwater Recharge: Artificial recharge of groundwater through percolation tanks, check dams, and other structures. Drought-Resistant Crops: Developing and promoting drought-resistant crop varieties. Early Warning Systems: Establishing robust early warning systems to predict and prepare for droughts. The Drought Monitoring and Early Warning System (DMEWS) is a key initiative. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Includes the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, which focuses on drought-proofing agriculture. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to enhance irrigation efficiency and provide assured irrigation. MGNREGA: Provides employment opportunities in drought-affected areas through water conservation and watershed development works. Scheme/Initiative Objective Key Features PMKSY Provide assured irrigation Har Khet ko Pani (Every field with water), Per Drop More Crop, Watershed Development DMEWS Early warning of drought Monitoring rainfall, groundwater levels, and vegetation indices Drought remains a significant challenge for India, impacting its economy, society, and environment. A holistic approach encompassing water conservation, efficient irrigation, drought-resistant agriculture, and robust early warning systems is crucial for effective drought management. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable water management practices are essential to mitigate the impacts of drought and ensure water security for future generations. Furthermore, strengthening community participation and empowering local institutions are vital for building resilience to drought.

Question 35 | UPSC Mains ENGLISH-COMPULSORY 2015

drought

How to Approach

This question requires a comprehensive understanding of drought – its definition, types, causes, impacts, and management strategies. The answer should adopt a multi-dimensional approach, covering hydrological, meteorological, and agricultural aspects. Structure the answer by defining drought, classifying its types, analyzing causes (natural and anthropogenic), detailing impacts across various sectors, and finally, outlining mitigation and management strategies. Include relevant government schemes and recent initiatives.

Understanding Drought: Types and Characteristics

Drought isn't a single phenomenon; it manifests in different forms:

Meteorological Drought: Defined by a deficiency in precipitation compared to the average rainfall for a specific period.
Hydrological Drought: Occurs when surface and subsurface water supplies become inadequate, impacting reservoirs, streams, and groundwater levels.
Agricultural Drought: Arises when soil moisture is insufficient to meet the needs of crops, leading to reduced yields.
Socioeconomic Drought: Happens when water shortages impact the supply and demand of economic goods, leading to economic losses.

Causes of Drought in India

Droughts in India are a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors:

Natural Causes

Monsoon Variability: The erratic nature of the Indian monsoon is the primary driver of droughts. Failures or delays in monsoon arrival significantly impact rainfall.
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): El Niño events are often associated with reduced monsoon rainfall in India.
Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): A positive IOD can also contribute to drought conditions.
Topography: Rain shadow areas, like parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, are naturally prone to drought.

Anthropogenic Causes

Deforestation: Reduces rainfall and increases soil erosion, exacerbating drought conditions.
Over-extraction of Groundwater: Depletes groundwater resources, making areas more vulnerable.
Poor Water Management: Inefficient irrigation practices and lack of water conservation measures contribute to water scarcity.
Climate Change: Increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are intensifying drought risks.

Impacts of Drought

The impacts of drought are far-reaching and affect multiple sectors:

Agriculture: Crop failures, reduced yields, livestock losses, and farmer distress. The 2002-03 drought led to a 9% decline in agricultural GDP.
Water Resources: Depletion of reservoirs, groundwater levels, and increased competition for water resources.
Economy: Reduced agricultural output, increased food prices, and economic losses.
Social Impacts: Migration, social unrest, health problems (malnutrition, waterborne diseases), and increased poverty.
Environment: Loss of biodiversity, land degradation, and increased risk of wildfires.

Drought Management and Mitigation Strategies

Effective drought management requires a multi-pronged approach:

Water Conservation: Promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler irrigation), rainwater harvesting, and watershed development.
Groundwater Recharge: Artificial recharge of groundwater through percolation tanks, check dams, and other structures.
Drought-Resistant Crops: Developing and promoting drought-resistant crop varieties.
Early Warning Systems: Establishing robust early warning systems to predict and prepare for droughts. The Drought Monitoring and Early Warning System (DMEWS) is a key initiative.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Includes the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, which focuses on drought-proofing agriculture.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to enhance irrigation efficiency and provide assured irrigation.
MGNREGA: Provides employment opportunities in drought-affected areas through water conservation and watershed development works.

Scheme/Initiative	Objective	Key Features
PMKSY	Provide assured irrigation	Har Khet ko Pani (Every field with water), Per Drop More Crop, Watershed Development
DMEWS	Early warning of drought	Monitoring rainfall, groundwater levels, and vegetation indices

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Rain Shadow Effect

A dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range, caused by the mountain blocking prevailing winds and causing the air to lose its moisture as it rises.

Watershed Development

The conservation of soil and water resources to maximize the utilization of rainfall in a specific area, typically a catchment area.

Key Statistics

India is among the 15 most water-stressed countries globally, with approximately 25% of its population facing high to extreme water stress (Composite Water Management Index, NITI Aayog, 2018).

Source: NITI Aayog, 2018

Approximately 68% of India’s total geographical area is prone to drought (Ministry of Jal Shakti, 2023).

Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, 2023 (Knowledge Cutoff)

Examples

The Maharashtra Drought of 2016-2018

Maharashtra experienced a severe drought from 2016 to 2018, impacting over 15,000 villages and leading to widespread farmer distress and livestock losses. The drought highlighted the need for better water management and drought preparedness.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between a drought and a water scarcity?

Drought is a temporary climatic anomaly resulting in reduced water availability. Water scarcity, on the other hand, is a long-term issue arising from imbalances between water demand and supply, often due to population growth, urbanization, and unsustainable water use practices.