Q14. Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Droughts in India are complex disasters due to their widespread impact, prolonged duration, and gradual onset, affecting water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued guidelines in September 2010 to strengthen preparedness, especially in response to climate phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, which significantly influence India’s monsoon patterns and intensify drought conditions.

Body

NDMA Guidelines for Drought Preparedness

• Early Warning Systems
  • Meteorological Monitoring: Collaborates with IMD to monitor El Niño and La Niña patterns and forecast drought conditions.
  • Drought Assessment Models: Utilises satellite data and indices like the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) to identify vulnerable regions in advance.
• Water Resource Management
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Promotes water conservation practices in drought-prone areas to build reserves for dry periods.
  • Efficient Irrigation Techniques: Encourages methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation to optimise water use, especially in agriculture-dependent areas.
• Agricultural Preparedness
  • Drought-Resistant Crops: Supports research and distribution of resilient crop varieties and promotes crop diversification to mitigate drought impacts.
  • Contingency Crop Planning: Develops contingency plans that adapt cropping patterns based on real-time rainfall predictions and soil moisture levels.
• Community Awareness and Capacity Building
  • Training Programs: Conducts workshops and training for local communities to promote water conservation and drought-resilient agricultural practices.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Informs communities about El Niño and La Niña impacts and drought preparedness strategies to build resilience.
• Financial and Institutional Support
  • Drought Relief Funds: Allocates funds for emergency relief, water distribution, and livelihood support for affected populations.
  • Interagency Coordination: Establishes coordination among central and state agencies, including water and agricultural departments, for efficient drought management.

Conclusion

‍The NDMA’s 2010 guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for drought preparedness in India, addressing both immediate responses and long-term resilience. With effective implementation, these mechanisms can mitigate the adverse impacts of El Niño and La Niña events, protecting vulnerable communities and supporting sustainable water and agricultural practices in drought-prone regions.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

‍