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New Study Reveals Rising Risks of Floods and Droughts
Context:
A recent climate risk assessment study conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and Mandi, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), Bengaluru, has revealed alarming findings about the increasing risks of floods and droughts across India.
Key Findings:
- Very High Flood Risk: The study identifies 51 districts in India as being at “very high” risk of flooding. These districts are primarily located in Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Very High Drought Risk: Similarly, 91 districts are categorised as facing “very high” drought risk. The states most affected include Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
- Dual Risks: Eleven districts, including Patna (Bihar), Alappuzha (Kerala), and Kendrapara (Odisha), are at “very high” risk for both floods and droughts. This dual vulnerability necessitates immediate and targeted interventions.
Impact and Implications:
- Agricultural Impact: India’s agrarian society is heavily dependent on the monsoon, making the challenges posed by climate change, such as droughts and excessive rainfall, increasingly critical. The variability in rainfall directly impacts agriculture, livelihoods, and rural economies.
- Need for Action: The head of scientific divisions in the Department of Science and Technology (DST), emphasised the importance of translating these findings into actionable strategies for both national and state-level stakeholders.
- She highlighted the need for collective efforts and innovative frameworks to address climate change.
