India's Droughts Worsen: El Niño Fuels Widespread Water Crisis

India is currently experiencing severe drought-like conditions, with Telangana reporting issues in 315 of its mandals. Neighboring states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, have also formally declared droughts in affected areas. This escalating situation is partly attributed to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon.

Globally, droughts have seen a significant increase of 29% in the last two decades, a trend mirrored in India where two-thirds of the land is prone to drought. The country's monsoon season recorded 13% less rainfall than the long-period average, with significant deficits noted in crucial months and regions like the South Peninsula and Northeast India.

The World Meteorological Organization defines drought as a prolonged dry period, typically caused by a lack of rainfall. India's meteorological department has been using 'deficient rainfall' since 2016, with state governments officially declaring droughts. These are categorized into meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, socio-economic, and ecological types.

Drought declaration follows specific guidelines, using parameters like rainfall deficiency, vegetation health, crop status, and water levels. Objective assessments guide the government's response, enabling timely relief and concessions for affected populations. The decision to declare a drought is crucial for accessing funds from disaster response funds.

Long-term policies, like the Drought Prone Area Programme and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme, aim to mitigate drought impacts. More recently, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana focuses on comprehensive irrigation solutions. Despite improved monitoring, enhancing water harvesting, storage, and promoting less water-intensive crops are vital for resilience.

Experts emphasize the need for better water harvesting, increased storage capacity, and aquifer recharge. Crop diversification, favoring millets and pulses, can lower farmer vulnerability. Anticipatory risk management is crucial to prevent rainfall deficits from escalating into full-blown drought disasters.