1. What is a Drought?
Definition
A drought is a prolonged period of deficient rainfall relative to the normal climate of a region, resulting in water shortage for drinking, agriculture, and other needs.
Types of Drought
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Meteorological Drought: When rainfall is significantly below average for a particular period.
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Agricultural Drought: When soil moisture is insufficient for crop growth.
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Hydrological Drought: When surface water and groundwater reserves fall below normal levels.
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Socio-economic Drought: When water scarcity affects people's livelihoods and the economy.
2. Causes of Drought in India
A. Natural Causes
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Monsoon Failure: Delayed or inadequate rainfall during the southwest monsoon season (June–September).
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El Niño Effect: El Niño events in the Pacific Ocean reduce monsoon rainfall in India.
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Climate Change: Shifting weather patterns and increased temperatures raise drought frequency.
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Topographical Barriers: Rain-shadow areas behind mountains receive low rainfall (e.g., parts of Maharashtra).
B. Human-Induced Causes
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Overextraction of Groundwater: Excessive use for irrigation lowers the water table.
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Deforestation: Reduces humidity and rainfall, affecting the water cycle.
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Soil Degradation: Poor farming practices reduce water retention.
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Urbanization: Rapid growth and land use change reduce groundwater recharge.
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Poor Water Management: Lack of water storage, canal maintenance, and rainwater harvesting.
3. Drought-Prone Regions in India
India's drought-prone areas are primarily located in arid and semi-arid zones where rainfall is low and unreliable.
A. Region-Wise Overview
| Region | States Involved | Key Drought-Prone Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Western India | Rajasthan, Gujarat | Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kutch |
| Central India | Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | Marathwada, Vidarbha, Bundelkhand |
| Southern India | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu | North Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Dharmapuri |
| Northern Plains | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar | Bundelkhand (Jhansi, Banda), Eastern UP |
| Eastern India | Jharkhand, Odisha | Palamu, Ranchi, Western Odisha (Bolangir) |
| Himalayan Region | Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh | Lahaul-Spiti, Leh (rain-shadow zones) |
B. Characteristics of Drought-Prone Areas
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Low and erratic rainfall
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High temperature and evapotranspiration
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Poor soil moisture retention
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Limited irrigation infrastructure
4. Impact of Drought in India
A. Agricultural Impact
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Crop Failure: Especially in rainfed areas (about 60% of India's farmland).
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Livestock Distress: Shortage of fodder and water.
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Reduced Farm Income: Affects small and marginal farmers the most.
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Increased Input Costs: For irrigation, labor, and drought-resistant seeds.
B. Water Scarcity
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Drying of Rivers, Lakes, and Wells
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Depletion of Groundwater
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Reduced Drinking Water Supply in rural and urban areas.
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Inter-state water conflicts intensify during drought years.
C. Economic Impact
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Decline in Agricultural GDP
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Rising Food Prices and Inflation
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Increased Rural Debt and Migration
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Financial burden on governments due to relief packages and subsidies.
D. Social and Health Consequences
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Distress Migration from villages to urban slums.
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Malnutrition in children due to food shortage.
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Farmer Suicides in severely affected regions.
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Rise in water-borne diseases and sanitation issues.
E. Environmental Impact
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Soil Degradation and Desertification
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Loss of biodiversity and wetlands
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Forest Fires become more frequent during dry spells.
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Decline in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
5. Government Initiatives for Drought Management
A. Monitoring and Forecasting
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India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors rainfall and drought alerts.
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Central Water Commission (CWC) tracks river and reservoir levels.
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National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS) uses satellite data to assess drought impact.
B. Policy Measures
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – promotes efficient irrigation ("more crop per drop").
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Drought-Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) – targeted development in vulnerable zones.
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Crop Insurance Schemes (PMFBY) – compensates farmers for crop loss.
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Watershed Development Projects – improve soil moisture and groundwater recharge.
C. State-Level Strategies
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Construction of farm ponds and check dams
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Rainwater harvesting in schools and government buildings
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Awareness campaigns on water conservation
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Use of drought-resistant crop varieties and early-warning alerts
Conclusion
Drought remains a recurring and multidimensional challenge in India, affecting agriculture, livelihoods, water security, and the environment. While natural factors like monsoon variability are unavoidable, sustainable land and water management, along with technological and policy interventions, can help reduce the severity and frequency of drought impacts. A combined effort from governments, communities, and farmers is essential to build resilience against drought.