Droughts stand as some of the most devastating natural disasters that a nation can face, having far-reaching impacts on all facets of life. For those preparing for the UPSC exam, understanding drought management in India is a key area of study.
A drought is characterized as a dire situation wherein the water supply within a specific geographical area falls below the necessary requirements for sustaining life and livelihoods. In India, the occurrence of droughts is no longer an anomaly but has become an alarming regularity. They strike annually in areas where water scarcity is already a significant concern, further exacerbating the existing issues. The intensity and impact of droughts vary significantly across different regions.
The reasons behind the increasing frequency of droughts in India are multifaceted. From climate change, deforestation, overexploitation of water resources, to inefficient irrigation practices - all contribute to the worsening situation. However, despite the grim scenario, effective drought management strategies can mitigate the adverse effects to a large extent.
Drought management in India involves a combination of short-term and long-term measures. Short-term measures include supplying drinking water, providing employment opportunities to the affected people, and supplying fodder for livestock. Long-term measures involve developing irrigation facilities, afforestation, and watershed management.
The Government of India has implemented various schemes and initiatives to combat drought conditions. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is one such initiative that aims at providing irrigation facilities to every farm (Har Khet Ko Pani) and improving water use efficiency to the 'Per Drop More Crop' level.
Despite the efforts, there's a long way to go in effectively managing droughts in India. Ensuring sustainable water management practices, increasing community participation, and strengthening the drought monitoring system are some of the critical steps needed in this direction.
