The recent climate risk assessment report marks vulnerabilities in Indian districts. Conducted by IIT Guwahati and IIT Mandi, this study identifies 11 districts at very high risk for both floods and droughts. The report serves as a critical tool for disaster risk reduction and adaptation planning.
Key Findings of the Report
The report categorises 51 districts as facing very high flood risk. An additional 118 districts are identified as having high flood risk. Regions like Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir are particularly vulnerable. In terms of drought, 91 districts are classified as very high risk, with 188 more at high risk. States such as Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra are affected. The combination of these risks poses a severe threat to livelihoods and agriculture.
Districts Facing Dual Risks
Alarmingly, districts such as Patna in Bihar, Alappuzha in Kerala, and Kendrapara in Odisha are at a very high risk for both floods and droughts. This dual risk necessitates immediate interventions to safeguard communities and their livelihoods.
Impact on Agriculture and Society
India’s dependence on the monsoon for agriculture makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change. Droughts and excessive rainfall disrupt farming, leading to food insecurity and economic challenges. The report puts stress on the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies.
Collaborative Efforts for Mitigation
The study represents a collaboration between various institutions, including the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). It aims to provide a comprehensive risk assessment for over 600 districts. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change.
Future Directions and Goals
Translating the report’s findings into actionable strategies is crucial. Stakeholders at both national and state levels must engage in collective efforts. The goal is to achieve a climate-resilient future, contributing to initiatives like a cleaner and greener India.
Data-Driven Adaptation Planning
The report emphasises the importance of data-driven adaptation planning. By identifying vulnerabilities and assessing risks, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies. This approach is vital for ensuring the resilience of communities facing climate threats.
Importance of Stakeholder Engagement
Effective communication of the report’s insights to all stakeholders is essential. Local communities, policymakers, and scientists must work together. This collaboration will enhance the effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Long-Term Vision for Climate Resilience
The report aligns with India’s long-term vision for a sustainable future. By aiming for a Viksit Bharat and a Net Zero Bharat by 2047, the country is taking steps towards climate resilience.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture in India, denoting the challenges posed by floods and droughts.
- Critically examine the role of collaborative efforts in addressing climate risks at the district level in India.
- Explain the significance of data-driven adaptation planning in managing climate-related disasters.
- With suitable examples, discuss how stakeholder engagement can enhance disaster risk reduction strategies in vulnerable regions.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture in India, denoting the challenges posed by floods and droughts.
- India’s agriculture heavily relies on the monsoon, making it vulnerable to erratic rainfall patterns.
- Floods can lead to crop damage, soil erosion, and loss of arable land, disrupting food production.
- Droughts cause water scarcity, affecting irrigation and leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity.
- Both phenomena threaten the livelihoods of millions, particularly in agrarian communities.
- Overall, climate change exacerbates challenges such as food security, economic stability, and rural poverty.
2. Critically examine the role of collaborative efforts in addressing climate risks at the district level in India.
- Collaboration among institutions like IITs and CSTEP enhances the comprehensiveness of climate risk assessments.
- Joint efforts facilitate resource sharing, expertise, and data collection for more accurate risk mapping.
- Collaborative frameworks enable the development of targeted strategies for disaster risk reduction.
- Engagement of local communities in these efforts ensures that solutions are context-specific and effective.
- Such partnerships can lead to innovative approaches, improving resilience against climate impacts.
3. Explain the significance of data-driven adaptation planning in managing climate-related disasters.
- Data-driven planning allows for the identification of specific vulnerabilities and risks faced by communities.
- It supports the development of targeted interventions that address the unique challenges of each district.
- Reliable data helps in prioritizing resources and actions for maximum impact in disaster risk reduction.
- Such planning encourages accountability and transparency in climate adaptation efforts.
- Ultimately, it enhances the resilience of communities by equipping them with the knowledge to prepare for climate threats.
4. With suitable examples, discuss how stakeholder engagement can enhance disaster risk reduction strategies in vulnerable regions.
- Engaging local farmers in flood-prone areas can lead to the adoption of resilient agricultural practices.
- Collaboration with local governments ensures that policies reflect community needs and priorities.
- Involving NGOs can help disseminate information on best practices for disaster preparedness and response.
- Community-led initiatives, such as building flood barriers, can be more effective than top-down approaches.
- Stakeholder engagement encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards disaster risk management.
