What is a Natural Disaster?

1. A natural disaster is an event caused by natural phenomena, such as extreme

weather, geological, or biological events, which result in significant physical,
economic, and social damage to communities and ecosystems. These events
are beyond human control and can occur suddenly, without warning, or develop
gradually, such as drought or desertification.
2. Examples of natural disasters include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
wildfires, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and epidemics.
3. Natural disasters can occur anywhere in the world, but some regions are more
prone to specific types of events due to their geographical location, climate, and
other factors.

Drought as a Natural Disaster.

The latest government data shows that the sowing area of rice
has declined in India by 12 per cent compared to last year. Jharkhand,
West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh account for most of the reduction.
The major causes of droughts in India are precipitation deficiency.India's
drought-prone area has increased by 57 per cent since 1997. Drought has
affected nearly two-thirds of the country from 2020 to 2022. Over the last
decade, one-third of India's districts have experienced more than four
droughts, and drought affects 50 million people each year.

What is a drought?
A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, which can lead to a shortage
of water resources such as lakes, rivers, and groundwater. It is a natural disaster that
can have devastating effects on agriculture, the environment, and human societies.
Droughts can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in weather patterns,
long-term climate change, and human activities such as deforestation and excessive
water usage. Droughts can last for months or even years and can have significant
impacts on food production, water availability, and economic development.

What are the different types of droughts?

India experiences several types of drought, including meteorological, agricultural,
hydrological, and socioeconomic droughts. However, the most common type of drought
that India experiences is meteorological drought.
 1. Meteorological drought - occurs when there is a prolonged period of
below-average precipitation or when the monsoon season arrives late or ends
early. This type of drought is primarily caused by changes in weather patterns
and can have significant impacts on agricultural production, water availability,
and the environment. In India, meteorological drought is a recurring phenomenon,
particularly in the semi-arid and arid regions of the country, such as Rajasthan,
Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
2. Agricultural drought - is a type of drought that specifically affects crop
production and agricultural activities. It occurs when there is a shortage of soil
moisture, which can lead to reduced crop yield and poor crop quality. Agricultural
drought can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of rainfall, high
temperatures, and excessive evapotranspiration.
3. Hydrological drought - is a type of drought that occurs when there is a deficit of
surface and groundwater resources in a region. It is caused by a prolonged
period of below-average precipitation, which results in reduced water availability
in rivers, lakes, and groundwater aquifers. Hydrological drought can have
significant impacts on water resources, including reduced water supply for
human consumption, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
4. Socioeconomic drought - is a type of drought that refers to the economic and
social impacts of water scarcity on communities and regions. It occurs when
there is a shortage of water resources that affects the livelihoods of people,
leading to reduced income, increased poverty, and food insecurity.
Socioeconomic drought can be caused by a variety of factors, including
hydrological drought, poor water management practices, and climate change.

Places in India which recently experienced drought.

1. Maharashtra: In 2019, Maharashtra declared drought in 151 of its 355 talukas

(administrative divisions). The state has been grappling with drought conditions
for several years due to erratic monsoons and overexploitation of groundwater
resources.
2. Karnataka: In 2021, several districts of Karnataka, including Belagavi, Vijayapura,
Bagalkot, and Kalaburagi, declared drought due to insufficient rainfall during the
monsoon season.
3. Gujarat: In 2021, Gujarat declared drought in 16 districts, including Kutch,
Mehsana, and Banaskantha, due to insufficient rainfall during the monsoon
season.
 4. Rajasthan: In 2020, several districts of Rajasthan, including Jaisalmer, Barmer,
and Jodhpur, declared drought due to a deficient monsoon season and a
prolonged dry spell.
5. Tamil Nadu: In 2019, Tamil Nadu declared drought in several districts, including
Chennai, due to a 62% rainfall deficit during the northeast monsoon season.

What are the measures to prevent and control drought situations in India?

Preventing and controlling drought situations in India requires a multi-faceted approach

that addresses various aspects of water management and conservation. Here are some
measures that can be taken to prevent and control drought situations in India:

1. Rainwater harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting techniques such as

building check dams, contour trenches, and rooftop rainwater harvesting can
help in recharging groundwater and increasing water availability during droughts.
2. Efficient irrigation practices: Encouraging the use of efficient irrigation practices
such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, and micro-irrigation can help in reducing water
consumption in agriculture.
3. Crop diversification: Promoting crop diversification and the cultivation of
drought-resistant crops can help in reducing the impact of droughts on
agriculture.
4. Soil conservation: Promoting soil conservation practices such as mulching, crop
rotation, and contour farming can help in retaining soil moisture and increasing
crop productivity during droughts.
5. Watershed management: Implementing watershed management practices such
as soil and water conservation, afforestation, and conservation of wetlands can
help in improving water availability and reducing the impact of droughts.
6. Water pricing and regulation: Implementing efficient water pricing and regulation
policies can help in reducing water wastage and promoting conservation.
7. Research and development: Investing in research and development to develop
new drought-resistant crop varieties, efficient irrigation systems, and new water
 conservation technologies can help in preventing and controlling drought
situations in India.

Overall, effective drought prevention and control measures require a combination of

policies, programs, and investments that address both short-term and long-term water
management and conservation strategies.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, drought is a recurrent phenomenon in India, affecting millions of people

and the economy every year. The country has experienced severe droughts in the past,
leading to food shortages, loss of livestock, and water scarcity. The government and
various stakeholders have taken measures to prevent and control drought situations in
the country, such as promoting rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation practices, crop
diversification, soil conservation, watershed management, and investing in research and
development. However, there is still a need for further action and investment in water
management and conservation strategies to address the ongoing challenge of drought
in India. By implementing comprehensive and integrated drought prevention and control
measures, India can mitigate the impacts of drought and ensure sustainable water
management practices for the future.