Which States in India are Most Affected by Drought?

India, with its diverse climatic zones, has several regions that are prone to frequent droughts. Here are some of the most drought-affected states and regions:

1. Telangana – Particularly, the districts of Khammam and Mahabubnagar
2. Maharashtra – The Marathwada region in particular
3. Karnataka – Especially the northern parts of the state
4. Odisha – The regions of Mayurbhanj and Balasore are often affected.
5. Gujarat – The Kutch and Saurashtra regions
6. Rajasthan – The districts of Bikaner and Jaisalmer

Is India Currently Facing a Drought?

Around 60% of India's agriculture is rain-fed, making it highly vulnerable to droughts. According to a recent report by NITI Aayog, India's water demand is expected to be twice the available supply in the near future. The report also reveals that over 80% of districts in Karnataka and 70% in Maharashtra have been declared drought-affected. At present, nearly 2,00,000 people in India die annually due to inadequate access to safe drinking water. Another report suggests that by 2030, up to 40% of India's population may lack access to safe drinking water.

What Measures can be Taken to Mitigate Drought?

There are several strategies that can be employed to mitigate the impacts of drought and enhance water security. Some of these include:

1. Desalination of seawater
2. Rainwater harvesting
3. Adoption of efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation
4. Harvesting water from the atmosphere – a technology developed by MIT
5. Development and use of genetically modified crops that are drought-resistant
6. Planting more trees to enhance groundwater recharge
7. Recycling organic waste to improve soil water retention

This information will be beneficial for those preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC 2020.

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