Gujarat produces nearly 75% of India’s salt, with the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) contributing about one-third. The salt harvesting community, known as the Agariyas, faces increasing threats from climate change. Their livelihood depends heavily on natural factors like sunlight, wind, and rain. Changes in these conditions could disrupt salt production and the fragile ecosystem they live in.
Salt Production in Gujarat and the Agariyas
Gujarat is India’s main salt producer. The LRK is a key salt flat region. The Agariyas, mainly Kodi Thakurs, harvest salt here. They have a deep connection with the land and its biodiversity. The salt flats also support wild animals like wild asses and migratory birds. The land is owned by the Forest Department and leased to the Agariyas. Their work depends on weather conditions that are vulnerable to climate change.
Impact of Climate Change on Salt Harvesting
Climate change affects rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns. Cooler nights slow salt evaporation. Unseasonal cyclones can flood salt pans. Shrinking underground water forces bore-wells to go deeper. These changes threaten the Agariyas’ income and the continuity of salt production. Many Agariyas lack formal land rights, electricity, or insurance, making them more vulnerable.
Developing a Climate Vulnerability Framework
A new framework assesses climate vulnerability using three factors – exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Exposure measures how much climate events affect the community. Sensitivity reflects dependence on salt production and health impacts. Adaptive capacity shows the ability to cope, such as access to training or technology. The formula used is – Vulnerability = Exposure + Sensitivity − Adaptive Capacity.
Data Collection and Methodology
A survey of 499 households in Surendranagar district was conducted. Questions covered 28 indicators grouped under exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Data were standardised and analysed using principal component analysis. Scores were normalised and combined. K-means clustering grouped households into low, medium, and high vulnerability categories.
Key Findings on Vulnerability
No household is free from climate risk. Most fall in a moderate vulnerability range. Around 40% are highly vulnerable due to high exposure and low adaptive capacity. Small improvements in adaptive capacity, such as better technology or training, could reduce risk for many. About 86% use government-subsidised solar pumps, but some still rely on costly diesel pumps.
Significance for Policy and Community Action
This vulnerability framework provides a tool for climate planners and grassroots organisations. It helps identify which households are most at risk. The tool can be adapted for other climate-sensitive labour groups in India. It supports targeted interventions to improve resilience and sustainability.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the impacts of climate change on traditional livelihoods in India with examples from salt harvesting communities.
- Underline the role of adaptive capacity in reducing vulnerability to climate change and critically analyse its importance in rural India.
- Estimate the challenges faced by marginalised communities in accessing technological solutions for climate adaptation and suggest measures to overcome them.
- Critically analyse the use of vulnerability frameworks in climate policy planning and explain how they can be scaled to benefit diverse climate-sensitive communities.
