Drought

Definition:
A drought is a prolonged period of deficient precipitation—such as rain or snow—that leads
to a water shortage, adversely affecting the environment, agriculture, and communities. It is
considered a slow-onset natural disaster that can occur anywhere in the world.

How Drought can be declared:

Before declaring a drought, the IMD takes into account several different factors over some
time. Short term dry spells due to lack of rain for a week or two are not considered droughts.
For an event to be classified as a drought, it needs to have significantly below average
precipitation over the course of multiple months. Meteorologists and climatologists closely
monitor rainfall totals and water levels in rivers, streams, underground aquifers and reservoirs.

i. Rainfall deficiency of more than 20% compared to long period normal over a
region.
ii. Delay in onset of monsoon by 2 weeks and Early withdrawal of monsoons by 2
weeks.
iii. Consecutive dry spells within the monsoon.
iv. Severe impacts on agriculture, wildlife and communities after 8-10 months of
Drought.
v. Reduction of soil moisture below a critical level.
vi. Decline of water levels in reservoirs, lakes and other water bodies below average
levels.
vii. Prevailing dry condition for 4-6 months is considered as Drought.

Types of Droughts:
Droughts are categorized based on their causes and impacts:
1. Meteorological Drought: Occurs when there is significantly less precipitation than
normal over a specific period.
2. Agricultural Drought: Happens when soil moisture becomes insufficient for crop
growth, even if rainfall is near average.
3. Hydrological Drought: Involves reduced water levels in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and
aquifers due to prolonged dry periods.
4. Socioeconomic Drought: Arises when water shortages begin to affect the supply and
demand of goods and services, impacting the economy and society.
5. Famine Drought: Famine drought is the most severe type of drought which occurs due
to an extreme shortage of food. It happens when the agricultural drought is widespread
and severe enough to significantly impact food production and supplies over a large
area
 6. Ecological Droughts: Ecological drought refers to a deficit in water availability that
adversely impacts natural ecosystems. It affects habitats, changes vegetation and
wildlife populations.

Causes of Drought:
Droughts can result from a combination of natural and human-induced factors:

• Natural Climate Variability: Phenomena like El Niño can disrupt normal weather
patterns, leading to reduced rainfall in certain regions.

• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures increase evaporation rates, alter

precipitation patterns, and intensify the frequency and severity of droughts.

• Deforestation: Trees play a crucial role in the water cycle by releasing moisture into
the atmosphere. Their removal can reduce rainfall and exacerbate drought conditions.
• Overuse of Water Resources: Excessive withdrawal of water for agriculture, industry,
and domestic use can deplete water sources, making regions more susceptible to
drought.

• Land Degradation: Poor land management practices, such as overgrazing and

unsustainable farming, can reduce soil moisture retention, increasing vulnerability to
drought.

• Human Activities: Over-farming, deforestation, and excessive water use can degrade
land and water resources, exacerbating drought conditions.

Consequences of Drought:
Agriculture & Economy

Insufficient rainfall leads to reduced crop yields, impacting food supply and increasing prices.
Agricultural downturns can lead to financial losses for farmers and increased food costs for
consumers.

Water Supply & Quality

Reduced precipitation diminishes surface and groundwater levels, leading to water scarcity for
drinking, sanitation, and irrigation. Lower water levels can concentrate pollutants, making
water unsafe for consumption and harming aquatic ecosystems.

Public Health

Limited access to clean water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and
dysentery. Dry conditions increase dust and pollutant levels in the air.

Environmental Impacts
Droughts can lead to habitat degradation, threatening plant and animal species. Dry conditions
elevate the risk of wildfires, which can destroy vast areas of forest and wildlife habitats. Lack
of moisture leads to soil erosion and desertification, reducing land fertility.

Social Consequences

Loss of livelihoods forces people to migrate from rural to urban areas in search of work.
Children may miss school to assist with household. Competition over scarce water resources
can lead to disputes within and between communities.

Mitigation Strategies:
To mitigate and adapt to drought conditions:

1. Water Conservation: Implementing efficient irrigation systems and promoting water-

saving practices.

2. Afforestation: Planting trees to enhance the water cycle and prevent soil erosion.

3. Sustainable Agriculture: Adopting drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming

techniques.

4. Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for use during dry periods.

5. Early Warning Systems: Developing monitoring systems to predict and respond to

drought conditions promptly.

Government Work:
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
3. Subsidies for Micro-irrigation and Water saving Equipment.
4. Local Self-Help Group.
5. School and Community awareness programme.