QUES . Appraise why drought is one of the most common climatic extremes in India.
HINTS:
Drought, a natural disaster that has plagued India for centuries, continues to wreak havoc on its agricultural, environmental, and economic sectors. It is one of the most common climatic extreme in India.
Reasons for drought as the most common climatic extreme in India
Irregular Monsoon Patterns:
The North-East monsoon is responsible for 10%-20% rainfall of the total rainfall in India, while the South-West monsoon provides approximately 80% of rainfall. The monsoon is erratic in nature and the intensity and duration of monsoon rainfall are dependent on many factors such as El-NINO, LA-NINA, ENSO, Jet Streams, depression in Atlantic oceans, wind directions, etc.
The effects of climate change on the monsoon seasons is one of the important reasons for decrease in rainfall and water shortage in India. In recent years, monsoons in India have become more sporadic while also reducing in their length and hence reducing the total precipitation. India’s predominantly agrarian economy heavily relies on the monsoon season. Irregularities in the monsoon patterns, such as delayed onset, early withdrawal, or insufficient rainfall, lead to drought conditions in various regions.
Depletion of Groundwater:
Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation and domestic use has led to a significant decline in water tables. Prolonged and excessive pumping has further exacerbated drought conditions in many parts of the country.
Some regions are exploiting groundwater in an unsustainable way for growing water-intensive crops, as a result, it is also decreasing the moisture in soils.
Deforestation:
Large-scale deforestation reduces the forest cover and disrupts the local climate. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle by enhancing evapotranspiration, which helps in rainfall distribution. Deforestation disrupts this balance and contributes to drought.
Land Degradation and Soil Erosion:
Poor land management practices, such as overgrazing and improper irrigation, result in soil erosion and land degradation. This diminishes the land’s ability to retain water, leading to reduced water availability during dry periods.
Urbanization and Encroachment:
Rapid urbanization and encroachment on water bodies and wetlands reduce natural water storage capacity. As a result, during periods of low rainfall, there is inadequate reservoir capacity to sustain water supply.
Chemical fertilizers:
Moisture holding capacity of soil is also decreasing due to the usage of chemical fertilizer as a result it requires regular rainwater or irrigation water for crops. Chemical fertilizers contribute to soil erosion and compaction, diminishing water-holding capacity of the soil.
Disproportionate availability of freshwater:
India has only 4% of the world’s fresh water resources despite a population of over 1.4 billion people. In addition to the disproportionate availability of freshwater, water scarcity in India also results from drying up of rivers and their reservoirs in the summer months, right before the onset of the monsoons throughout the country.
The crisis has especially worsened in the recent years due to climate change which results in delayed monsoons, consequently drying out reservoirs in several regions. Other factors attributed to the shortage of water in India are a lack of proper infrastructure and government oversight and unchecked water pollution. Because of the above reasons, drought is one of the most common climatic extremes in India.
How drought can be mitigated?
Rainwater Harvesting:
Promote rainwater harvesting techniques to capture and store rainwater for future use. Rooftop rainwater harvesting, check dams, and farm ponds can help recharge groundwater and increase water availability.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
Encourage farmers to adopt water-efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinklers. Promoting drought-resistant crop varieties can also help conserve water during periods of low rainfall.
Afforestation and Reforestation:
Government initiatives and community-driven efforts must focus on increasing forest cover and rehabilitating degraded land. Planting more trees helps restore the ecological balance and improves water retention in the soil.
Groundwater Management:
Implement strict regulations on groundwater extraction to prevent overexploitation. Encourage the use of water-efficient technologies and incentivize farmers to adopt sustainable practices.
Watershed Management:
Adopt integrated watershed management approaches to conserve rainwater and prevent soil erosion. Constructing check dams and contour trenches can aid in water conservation.
Public Awareness and Education:
Raise awareness among the general public about water conservation and the importance of using water responsibly. Education plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of water conservation.
Conclusion
Drought in India is a complex issue with multifaceted causes, but it is not insurmountable. Through a combination of sustainable practices, technological advancements, and community participation, we can work towards mitigating the impacts of drought. It is essential for policymakers, communities, and individuals to collaborate in implementing long-term solutions to secure a water-resilient future for India. Together, we can combat drought and ensure the sustainable use of water resources for generations to come.
External link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drought_in_India
