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. (UPSC 2014, 13 Marks, )

EN ह

Drought, an insidious natural phenomenon, has emerged as a catastrophic disaster due to its widespread geographical impact, extended duration, gradual onset, and profound repercussions on susceptible populations.

El Nino and La Nina are climate phenomena associated with the periodic warming (El Nino) and cooling (La Nina) of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Mechanisms for Preparedness to Deal with El Nino and La Nina Fallouts in India

1. Early Warning Systems:

•   NDMA emphasizes the establishment and strengthening of early warning systems to detect and predict these events.

•   Utilize satellite data and advanced modeling techniques for accurate predictions.

2. Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Mapping:

•   Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify regions prone to droughts or excessive rainfall.

•   Develop vulnerability maps to prioritize areas requiring immediate attention and intervention.

3. Water Management Strategies:

•   Implement efficient water storage and distribution systems.

•   Encourage rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge to mitigate water scarcity during El Niño-induced droughts.

4. Agricultural Planning and Crop Selection:

•   Provide farmers with timely information on expected climate conditions.

•   Promote the cultivation of drought-resistant crops during El Niño and flood-resistant crops during La Niña.

5. Livestock Management:

•   Develop strategies for managing livestock during periods of feed scarcity (El Niño) or excess (La Niña).

•   Educate farmers on sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of livestock during extreme climatic events.

6. Community Awareness and Education:

•   Conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about the potential impacts of El Niño and La Niña.

•   Train local authorities and residents in preparedness measures and response strategies.

7. Infrastructure Development:

•   Invest in resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts.

•   Construct water storage facilities and irrigation systems to enhance agricultural resilience.

Case Studies

1997-1998 El Nino:

•   Widespread drought leading to crop failures.

•   Impacts on water supply and power generation.

2015-2016 El Nino:

•   Disruption of monsoon patterns affecting agriculture.

•   Water shortages and impacts on hydroelectric power generation.

2016-2017 La Nina:

•   Abundant rainfall leading to increased agricultural productivity.

•   Flooding and landslides in certain regions.

2021-2022 La Nina:

•   Below-average temperatures and increased winter precipitation.

•   Mixed impacts on agriculture, with benefits and challenges.

Building resilience to the impacts of El Niño and La Niña events requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing these mechanisms, India can better prepare for and mitigate the consequences of these climatic phenomena, ensuring the well-being of its population and the sustainability of key sectors such as agriculture and water resources.