Integrated approach for local level drought assessment and risk reduction

Abstract

Timely information about the onset of drought, extent, intensity, duration and impacts can limit drought related losses of life, human suffering and decrease damage to economy and environment. Drought assessment and monitoring is essential for the agricultural sector to take appropriate mitigation measures. Drought indices derived from satellite data play a major role in assessing the health and condition of crops. The study emphasize upon the use of RS and GIS techniques for drought monitoring in Telangana state, which is one of the drought prone state of India. Agricultural drought risk areas were identified based on classifying the deviation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Wetness Index (NDWI) from the mean values by using surface reflectance from MODIS satellite data during 2002–2015. Areas facing a combined agricultural and meteorological drought were assessed using an integrated approach involving different indicators viz. mandal wise NDVI and NDWI deviation, rainfall deviation and dry spells. Integrating all indicators, mandals were categorised as “Normal” agricultural situation in 235, “Mild” in 169, “Moderate” in 33 and “Severe” in 06 mandals of the state. The study revealed that, western (South-West and North-West) part of Telangana state is more prone to drought. Alternate contingency plans were prepared based on the results of this study for entire state.