Dealing with Droughts

Abstract

A large part of India is naturally prone to drought. Unfortunately, droughts have now become more frequent due to development interventions, deforestation and climate change. Drought is insidious and affects millions. It disrupts the social fabric and affects economic and social development in ways that are inter-generational, miring those affected in a perpetual cycle of poverty. It affects health and nutrition, education, food security and creates a climate for continuation of social evils. There are government mechanisms and institutions in place to deal with droughts, yet over the years, evidence indicates that clearly much more needs to be done. There are examples of communities successfully drought proofing their villages through afforestation, rainwater harvesting and judicious use of water. Such efforts need to be scaled up through linkage with government resources. Addressing drought can no longer be ignored, given the water crisis that the country faces as it stares at an ever-widening gap between demand and supply. This chapter informs about major droughts in India, devastation due to drought, government institutions and mechanisms, prevention and measures for drought mitigation and community efforts. The chapter suggests a roadmap for the way forward.