Define 'Drought'. What are its different types ? Add a note on drought prone areas in India.

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Drought is a prolonged water shortage caused by deficient or erratic rainfall, classified as meteorological, hydrological, agricultural and socioeconomic, and about 30% of India is drought-prone, from western Rajasthan and Kachchh to southern rain-shadow areas like Rayalaseema. IMD defines drought as rainfall below 75% of normal.

**Introduction**

Drought is a critical climatic anomaly marked by prolonged water scarcity due to deficient or erratic rainfall, severely impacting India’s agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods. Given India’s dependence on the southwest monsoon, droughts threaten food security and economic stability, especially in rainfed regions.

**Institutional Framework and Definitions**

1. **IMD’s Definition and Classification**: IMD defines drought as rainfall below 75% of normal, with severe droughts under 50%. It categorizes drought into meteorological (rainfall deficiency), hydrological (reduced surface and groundwater), agricultural (soil moisture deficit), and socioeconomic (impact on livelihoods) types, highlighting the multifaceted nature of drought.

**Implementation Challenges and Impact**

3. **Early Warning and Community Action**: IMD’s conservative rainfall deficit forecasts often delay timely interventions, complicating relief efforts. However, community-led early warning systems, such as those in Marathwada, Maharashtra, demonstrate the effectiveness of local participation in drought preparedness and response.

4. **Agricultural and Water Impacts**: ==In Andhra Pradesh⟦1⟧, the 2014-15 drought reduced food grain production and increased rural distress, including farmer indebtedness.== Hydrological drought causes drying rivers and falling groundwater levels; coastal aquifers face salinity intrusion, necessitating scientific aquifer management to sustain water availability.

**Drought Prone Areas in India**

5. **Geographical Spread**: About 30% of India is drought-prone, affecting 19% of its area and 12% of its population annually. The most vulnerable regions include western Rajasthan (Marusthali, Jaisalmer, Barmer), Gujarat’s Kachchh, and southern rain-shadow zones such as parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where erratic rainfall and poor irrigation exacerbate drought risks.

**Conclusion**

Effective drought management requires integrating institutional frameworks, community participation, and region-specific strategies, supported by scientific monitoring and sustainable water management, to mitigate drought impacts and enhance resilience.

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